terrain tamer - amazon s3

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems

EssEntial rEading for BaE systEms pEoplE // QuartEr 1 2012

advantagewww.employeepublications-baesystems.com/advantage

terrain tamerswEdEn Buys go-anywhErE Bvs10 workhorsE

gcs weapons submits european study on future of smart munitionsfull story page 05

telford offers customers unique one-stop shop for vehicle supportfull story pages 12-13

world first for gcs munitions as smart mortar round unveiled full story page 14

2 • briefing

BaE systems advantage

mAnAGinG dirECtor’S wElComE

inside this edition

Highlights

disclaimerthe publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for any errors or omissions. advantage is produced by global Combat systems Communications. Editor: mike sweeney, head of External Communications, gCs. please send any comments and feedback to [email protected] articles or opinions expressed in this publication may not reflect company policy. all rights reserved. on no account may any part of this publication be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be made to [email protected]. designed and produced by Connect Communications ltd www.connectcommunications.co.uk© BaE systems plc 2012.

02 BriEfings 05 on thE CovEr wEapons

rEport on smart munitions 06 on thE CovEr swEdEn Buys

all-tErrain workhorsE 12 on thE CovEr tElford ramps

up for CustomEr ChoiCE 14 smart mortar round a first 17 Bishopton’s rEgEnEration 18 ta voluntEErs BaCk homE 20 going for gold

welcome to the second issue of the revamped Advantage, which has proven very popular, particularly in the on-line version. this new-look mag is part of the digital media revolution we are seeing across the Company. you can expect to see new features, functionality and integration as the programme rolls out, encouraging people to “think digital”.• More here: http://intranet.ent.baesystems.com/functions/communications/dmp/pages/dmphome.aspx Editor: mike sweeney email: [email protected] tel: +44 (0)780 171 6452

explore available digital formats:www.employeepublications-baesystems.com

We need to get fit and agile to compete

i am pleased to have announced the new gCs management team. we are now working though the operating model to maximise performance in the business to ensure we improve our competitiveness.

Change always takes longer than many of us want, so it is important that we execute the changes as soon as possible, in a controlled manner, to ensure we meet the short, medium and long-term objectives in our strategic plans.

the biggest change to our organisation is in vehicles with the creation of two business areas – programmes and support services. recent performance warranted a change in focus to ensure we deliver both programmes and support services on time and hit the expected levels of profitability. david Bond and alan lines are working closely on a plan to deliver improved performance.

as with many other industries we face a very challenging environment

with reducing budgets causing delays,

postponements or cancellations of programmes and services. this reduces our income, so we have to reduce our cost base to remain profitable.

while weapons and munitions

continue to perform well financially, they also face programme challenges of their own. i have been really pleased with the effort that our employees are putting in across all businesses to meet these challenges.

from an order intake perspective, we had a good start to the year, winning the swedish Bvs10 competition. we have exciting prospects in all businesses and are working tirelessly to secure this work while prioritising spend on business opportunities by identifying and executing winnable campaigns.

transformation of munitions continues to plan, while achieving excellent delivery performance on the mass contract.

weapons continues to deliver outstanding performance on the m777 programme and perform well on naval gun and munitions projects. the route to future success is to secure business in india, extend our global customer base for artillery and integrated systems and deliver against our archer commitments.

the french Bvs10 programme is on schedule and we recently rolled out the first terrier production vehicle. it is vital that we execute all our programmes on time with sharp focus on the customer and budget performance.

please continue doing your part to deliver on every front as we build a strong business for the future.

below: CharliE BlakEmorE, managing dirECtor, gloBal ComBat systEms

Delivering health at work for everyonethe efforts of gCs in the uk promoting health with employees were recently recognised in the north west health at work awards and the north East and scottish Better health awards.

several sites have recently

received wellbeing awards ranging from silver at washington/Birtley and ridsdale range to gold at newcastle in the north East, and Excellence, the top award, achieved by radway green in the north west. in scotland, Bishopton

received a silver award.the awards aim to encourage

everyone to take ownership and control of their health and wellbeing and are usually based on the categories of leadership, attendance management, health and safety, mental health and wellbeing, smoking and tobacco-related ill-health awareness, healthy eating, physical activity, and alcohol and drug misuse.

initiAtivES>

briefing • 3

By making it simple and allowing people to see what they can individually contribute, i hope this strategy will be something employees take away and talk about among themselves. – Kevin taylor, p10

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Managing Director Charlie Blakemore and HR Director Colin Spence had a whistlestop tour of GCS sites in Stockholm, Örnsköldsvik and Karlskoga during February, travelling more than 4,290km in just four days.

It was a busy schedule but the real value of the visit was in seeing the facilities and the products and meeting the people.

“To see at first hand the enthusiasm of our employees about their products, and the dedication and customer focus

that they all have, was outstanding. This underpins my view that people are the biggest asset we have in our business,” said Charlie.

The first stop was at the GCS office in the centre of Stockholm, which is the ideal location to meet with customers and government officials in Sweden.

The next leg of the journey started with an hour’s flight to the GCS Vehicles site at Örnsköldsvik, north of Stockholm, where they discussed

above: CharliE BlakEmorE, Colin spEnCE and tommy gustafsson-rask with a Bvs10 at thE tEst traCk nEar ÖrnskÖldsvik below: CharliE with urBan karlsson at karlskoga tEsting a lEmur rEmotE-ControllEd wEapon station

‘People are the biggest asset in our business’

the vehicles business and saw the new production facility, and enjoyed a drive in a BvS10 around the test track near the site.

Charlie said: “Driving in the snow in a BvS10 was amazing and gave us a real feel for how this vehicle is supporting soldiers on the front line. It was very impressive and the award of the BvS10 contract for Sweden has given a real boost for the site.”

The next day they took the early flight back to Stockholm and from there travelled to the Weapons site at Karlskoga.

“It was fantastic to see Archer, the new 40Mk4 naval gun and testing being carried out on one of the 57mm naval guns for Canada,” Charlie said. “We were taken around the production and office facilities and I was pleased to have time to speak to many employees who have such pride and enthusiasm in their work and our products.”

Before heading back to Arlanda Airport for the flight back to the UK, Charlie and Colin were given an overview of the Weapons programmes and future campaigns.

Charlie concluded: “There are a lot of exciting challenges and opportunities for our sites in Sweden and this was a very worthwhile four days for Colin and myself. It was great to spend time with the teams in Sweden and to see the enthusiasm and pride our employees have for the business.”

Joint working at Glascoed Colonel richard aspray, the new defence general munitions project team leader, visited glascoed in february to open the new Joint working Environment to mark the completion of the first phase of the refurbishment of the administration area to create a modern working environment, including meeting rooms and a joint workspace with the mod.

he said: “Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in building this superb new facility. the facility represents a key milestone and opportunity for developing the way we work together on the mass partnership in the future.

“when the full redevelopment of glascoed is completed, we will have facilities that everyone can be proud of.”

above (from left): assistant tEam lEadEr dEfEnCE gEnEral munitions roy BrEnton, glasCoEd transformation managEr lEE parkEr, Col riChard aspray, ops dirECtor lEE smurthwaitE and glasCoEd gEnEral managEr huw samuEl


4 • briefing

Media spotlight on Munitions More people know about the good work that Munitions is doing thanks to a ramp-up in media activities recently.

Radway Green and the MASS transformation featured on BBC TV’s regional news programme North West Tonight, while the UK’s most-read daily newspaper the Sun ran a major feature on the Ridsdale range and its high-tech digital camera technology used to improve the quality and range of our munitions.

Local newspapers such as the Alsager Chronicle have outlined BAE Systems’ role in local communities.

A media facility visit to Washington in January, aimed at highlighting investment and supporting exports, resulted in coverage in Janes and Defense News and the Bloomberg newswire on MASS and the new RCGM smart mortar round being developed with General Dynamics (see page 12). More coverage is expected.

“It is important that, as a defence company, we proactively work to raise our profile in the national, trade and local media” said Head of Communications Edmund McMahon Turner. “We need to ensure that our key messages, products and commitment to local communities is understood and recognised.”

A new page opens in Project Olympia document management

Project Olympia has begun roll-out across GCS to give the business more efficient and responsible document management.

At the end of 2011, the GCS Weapons Process Council met the Information Management & Technology (IM&T) team to discuss implementation of the document management tool that will help the business to become compliant with the updated policy on document management, the Document Creation Retention and Disposal Policy.

Max Florenius, the GCS Weapons Olympia sponsor, said: “We are facing major

changes in our day-to-day working with documents and all employees need to be more aware of how documents should be handled.

“This is a great challenge for us, but it is also very interesting and rewarding to be involved in improving and streamlining how we create, store and dispose of our documents.

“Individually, we are at different levels when it comes to document management, but Olympia will bring effective common practices.”

The IM&T team will deliver and install a cost-effective solution that meets the needs of the business. This chosen solution is Workspace, a Microsoft Sharepoint product,

which is also used for the Company intranet.

“It was important to meet the IM&T team because GCS Weapons spans sites in the UK, the US and Sweden,” said Maria Johnson Kjällström, Manager Performance Excellence and Business Improvement.

“Document management is a bit more complicated because, for export, data protection and confidentiality reasons, certain documents cannot be saved to a network outside a nation’s borders, but we need a solution that enables collaboration between our three sites.

“We believe that the Workspace solution will enable us to meet the requirements set by Olympia.”

the three project olympia objectives for 2012 are:

1. management of all new documents in an olympia compliant repository

2. records routinely declared as normal business

3. olympia ‘remediation plan’ in place and being actively worked.

for more information contact: vehicles – mark farrar (sponsor), Kenneth fatinikun (project manager); munitions – Karen lowe (sponsor), steve allison (pm); weapons – max florenius (sponsor), uK – simon walker (pm), sweden– stefan Jerrelind (pm)

above: munitions managing dirECtor ian andErton is intErviEwEd for a BBC north wEst itEm on radway grEEn


briefing • 5

Karlskoga expertise for Brunei navyGCS Weapons is supporting the design, construction and fitting out of a new workshop for the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) to maintain its new Bofors 57mm Mk3 naval guns. The work is the result of a contract from Lürssen Asia signed in March 2008.

The Mk3 guns are for three PV80 Darussalam Class offshore patrol vessels built by Lürssen Asia’s parent company Lürssen in Bremen, Germany.

Their new workshop will house facilities for the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems, an electronics and clean room for the hydraulics, and a department for factory acceptance testing including a two-step ammunition lift. It will also be used for training operators and weapons technicians.

“As the first customer of the 57mm Mk3 in South East Asia, RBN is an important reference customer,” said Peder Pedersén.

Weapons submits European report on smart munitionsfuture capability

Creating a roadmap to secure European capability in precision-guided ammunition (PGA) is the aim of a study recently completed by GCS Weapons.

The study, contributed to by Munitions and most of the European ammunition industry, was carried out for the European Defence Agency (EDA) following a competitive tender in the autumn of 2010.

“Our study shows the likely future requirements for PGA and gives an overall view of what technical and

industrial capacity Europe has today,” said Börje Nyquist, who is GCS Project Manager for the study.

“The report gives a number of recommendations to secure appropriate and competitive industrial capacity for PGA.”

Stefan Blomgren, GCS Weapons Strategy and Business Development Director, added: “Only a few countries can afford to develop PGA so co-operation, where risk, finance and markets are shared, is the only way forward.”

Suppliers and institutions have also contributed information and analysis.

right: sustaining thE CapaBility within EuropE for sophistiCatEd pga, suCh as thE Bonus anti-tank round, dEvElopEd By Bofors (now gCs wEapons) and giat, is onE aim of thE study

Our future is in their hands GCS Munitions at Glascoed is supporting XLWales’s Invention & Discovery Roadshows. The roadshows promote science, design, technology, maths and ICT (information communications technology) across South and West Wales.

The £5,000 donation will help provide core funding for nearly 250 roadshows at selected Welsh primary schools. The roadshows, which started in September 2011, will end in June this year. It is estimated that more than 18,000

children, aged between three and 11, will participate and will benefit from the additional services and education being offered.

“These roadshows generate great interest among children in subjects which are important to us when we are looking for future employees,” observed Glascoed General Manager Huw Samuel. “By helping to develop their skills and interest at an early age, we hope that some of the children will consider a future career in science, engineering and technology.”

Several European countries have participated in the study and provided information about their future needs.

The report will be discussed by the EDA, member states and other stakeholders to agree the way forward.

right: pupils wrEstlE with a tEChnology ExErCisE at thE sChools roadshow


6 • SPOTLigHT

worKhorse that taKes on all terrains

the reputation of gCs vehicles’ Bvs10 gets a further boost as sweden becomes fourth customer for the renowned go-anywhere vehicle


SPOTLigHT • 7

the perfect combination of mobility, payload and protection, the BvS10 is renowned as a

workhorse on the front line. It has proven itself in operations with armed forces around the world.

Its performance has now helped GCS Vehicles to win a contract from FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, to supply 48 of the all-terrain vehicles and an extensive

initial support package. The contract followed the down-

select of the BvS10 on 5 January and is worth £65m ($100m). The competition was Singapore Technologies Kinetics’ Bronco.

“We made an overall assessment of the two competing vehicles’ performance, price and life-support costs and also assessed the bidders’ ability to deliver in accordance with the requirements,” said Brigadier General Anders Carell, Head of FMV’s land systems procurement command. “The outcome of our assessment was very clearly in favour of BAE Systems and BvS10.”

Capture Manager Björn Andersson explained: “The two bids were evaluated in four different areas: system performance, price, implementation and management, and through-life consideration. In all areas, the BvS10 scored significantly higher

Ready for any mission the Bvs10 platform is the result of 25 years of experience in developing armoured atvs. it combines the key strengths of high payload and protection levels with agility over extreme terrain. it has been designed for operations all over the world.

Equally at home in the cold of northern scandanavia or the mountains of afghanistan, the Bvs10 is a reliable workhorse that keeps forces moving.

Easy to use and maintain, it requires minimal training and its modular design allows for flexibility to meet individual customer requirements.

subsystems such as add-on armour, weapon mounts, load changer and cargo provide a range of variants including armoured personal carrier, command and control, ambulance, repair and recovery, logistics and recce.

above: proJECt managEr anniCa karlson, sEatEd on vEhiClE, and thE Bvs10 tEam at ÖrnskÖldsvik (photo stagEd without ppE on a stoppEd produCtion linE)

opposite and below: thE ruggEd Bvs10 is morE than a matCh for thE ExtrEmE Conditions in northErn sCandanavia

vehicle design technology

continues overleaf>


8 • SPOTLigHT

Swedes get mix’n’match BvS10s

innovative solution

with a dutch front car, a uk rear car and a whole load of adaptations to meet their requirements, gCs vehicles in Örnsköldsvik has managed to create a “new” Bvs10 for the swedish armed forces in a very short space of time.

the vehicles are in full operation in afghanistan and the crews like them.

it all began with an enquiry from the fmv in april last year.

“the background to this urgent operational requirement was that the swedish armed forces in afghanistan needed larger-capacity armoured all-terrain vehicles than the ones they had,” explained leif pettersson, who is sales manager

at gCs vehicles in Örnsköldsvik. “they needed a temporary solution fast.”

sweden had planned to buy new vehicles to meet the requirement (see main story) but this procurement was still some way off. so 15 Örnsköldsvik-built Bvs10s, already in use in afghanistan, were leased from the dutch. the problem was that mine-blast protection on the rear car was not as good as that used on later-generation vehicles.

gCs vehicles in Örnsköldsvik solved this by replacing the dutch rear cars with ones from the mod in the uk. the rubber-tracked vehicles also had to be adapted for the specific needs of the swedish armed forces in areas such as weapons stations and communication systems.

“we knew that we had to quickly find technical solutions and put together a tender that would hold. there were quite strict requirements so the work was extremely comprehensive. we mobilised a lot of people, who worked more or less round the clock to get the tender and contract sorted in a short time,” said leif.

“modifying and upgrading vehicles is something we have done before,” said tomas wiberg, head of field services. “But this felt different, to take older products and make something new in order to meet an operational requirement.”

the customer also required crew and maintenance training before the vehicles went into service in december.

“BaE systems has shown great understanding of our requirements,” said major John hamrin, the swedish armed forces head of materiel systems for wheeled vehicles and tracked vehicles. “it is new for the swedish armed forces to have a maintenance supplier involved in this way in our own operations, which requires new ways of working.

“we are looking forward to our new Bvs10s delivered early in 2013, which will then replace the dutch vehicles in afghanistan.”

left: using a dutCh front Car and a uk rEar Car, gCs vEhiClEs has CrEatEd a “nEw” Bvs10 for thE swEdish armEd forCEs below: lEif pEttErsson, salEs managEr at gCs vEhiClEs in ÖrnskÖldsvik

the two bids were evaluated in four different areas. in all areas, the bvs10 scored significantly higher than our competitor

than our competitor. There are many reasons why we scored so much higher than STK. One is a very effective payload versus total weight ratio. Offering almost the same payload at a substantially lower weight gives a lot of benefits. Among these are better mobility, better transportability and lower life operating cost.

“Also, the fact that we fully understood the FMV requirements and our capability to deliver made a big difference. Finally, due to the big difference in price, we clearly showed that we had a much more cost-effective vehicle.”

The contract is for the supply of 48 BvS10s in four variants – troop carrier, command vehicle, ambulance and logistic carrier.

“Our goal is to finish the design phase this spring and enter into production during the summer in order to deliver the first vehicles to FMV in October this year,” said Project Manager Annica Karlson. “The investment already made in product development and production set-up will enable us to deliver on time.”

The contract also includes options for an additional 127 vehicles as well as support for garrisons and international missions. This would almost triple the overall contract value.

“Funds are limited, but we know that the vehicles are wanted and hope that discussions regarding the options will start this year,” said Annica.

BvS10 has been designed for operations all over the world. It is a development of the smaller Bv206S, produced at Örnsköldsvik, of which more than 10,000 have been sold around the world.

BvS10 is already in service with the British and Dutch Royal Marines and has also been procured by the French Army.

<from previous page

SPOTLigHT • 9


left: supporting CustomErs in thE fiEld is an inCrEasingly important part of thE BusinEss, and Brings its own ChallEngEs and rEwards below: tomas wiBErg, hEad of fiEld sErviCEs at gCs vEhiClEs in ÖrnskÖldsvik

Service needs on the front line in the safest hands

Three teams of service engineers will take it in turns to spend time in Afghanistan over the course of the mission. Service engineers Benny Johansson and Inge Näslund were the first out. “Obviously the environment is very different,” said Benny, “with temperatures up in the 50s outside and temporary premises, big tents to sleep in and a camp to stay within. In other respects, it’s very much like back home – there is always work to do.

three service engineers from Örnsköldsvik have been maintaining the ten BvS10

vehicles used by Sweden in its 18-month mission in Afghanistan. The assignment to Camp Marmal, which began in December, will last until June 2013. The contract also involves supporting five vehicles used for training in Sweden.

Traditionally, the Swedish Armed Forces have maintained their vehicles in the field themselves. “The forces have been asked to reduce their costs, while at the same time maintaining their operational capabilities,” explained Sales Manager Leif Pettersson.

“I believe it will be increasingly common for them to get help from industry for similar assignments. So it’s good that we demonstrate our competence in this area.

“Thanks to this agreement, the armed forces can focus on their operational activities instead of having their staff occupied in workshops. That’s where our competence lies.

“Those of us who actually built the vehicles and our service experts know the vehicles better than anyone.”

below: sErviCE EnginEErs ingE näslund and BEnny Johansson havE BEEn working in afghanistan, supporting thE swEdish armEd forCEs

“Two major differences in the work are that it can be difficult to get hold of the right spare parts at short notice, although thanks to the large stock we keep on site the risk of this affecting operations is minimised. The other is that sometimes things get very urgent, if there is a military operation and the vehicles need to be out in the field again very quickly.”

Employees are given training before they go. Tomas Wiberg, who is Head of Field Services, is responsible for ensuring that the service technicians are prepared for what awaits them.

“I reckon that the service engineers already have sufficient technical expertise. Therefore the emphasis is on soft values, cultural differences, being team players, looking after one another, thinking like comrades and supporting one another.

“We have made use of the experiences of other sections of the company, and we get excellent support. We also have frequent discussions with HR and the head of security, for example, in order to ensure the safety of our employees. An assignment of this kind is a matter for the entire Company, not just Field Services.”

vehicles design technology


10 • STraTegy

with the launch of BaE systems’ 2012 group strategic framework, every employee is asked what they can do to improve profitability and customer focus. group strategy director kevin taylor explains the agenda for delivering success in the coming year

bae systems strategy 2012

“progress has been good in a challenging environment, but there’s certainly much

more to do in 2012,” Kevin says.“Across the businesses, I see people

responding well and proactively to significant changes in the macro environment, which have translated into downward pressure in the defence budget, particularly in the US and UK. But further change in 2012 is inevitable and that’s why it’s important that we’ve evolved our strategy.”

Crucially though, the strategy acknowledges that success in 2012 will also mean looking beyond new business growth and focusing on how existing business is delivered.

“Redoubling our efforts in this area creates a virtuous circle. Being more efficient makes us more competitive, helping us win business as future contracts become more competitive, and also delivering better cash and profits from our existing contracts,” says Kevin. “First and foremost, this is a strategy that challenges employees at every level of the Company to ask how they can improve profitability and

Group Strategic Framework

a strategy to deliver value

Our vision is to be the premier global defence, aerospace and security company

Our values are Trusted, Innovative and Bold

Our mission is to deliver sustainable growth in shareholder value through our commitment to Total Performance

Customer Focus Programme Execution Financial Performance Responsible Behaviour

Our Strategy

– Support our customers in safeguarding their vital interests

– Drive shareholder value by improving financial performance and competitive positions across the business

Improve profit and cash generation

Grow our Cyber, Intelligence and

Security business

Grow Electronic Systems

Drive value from our Platform and

Services positions

Increase our international

business

Strategic Actions

Integrated Business Plans


STraTegy • 11

mass target

munitions exceeded its iBp order intake target by nearly 10 per cent in 2011. of this total, the annual mass product commitments represented £135m and the balance came from a mixture of mod and export customers.

“i am really pleased that the business development team, supported by colleagues from other functions, managed to achieve this stretch target,” said paul fitch, munitions strategy and Business development director. “it gives us the foundation for progressing towards our 2018 strategic goal of growing the business so that the mass contract, as currently configured, only represents 50 per cent of munitions turnover.”

for 2012, the munitions business intake target has increased by another 10 per cent, of which approximately 40 per cent will come from non-mass business.

“this demanding target is in line with our progressive growth strategy,” said paul. “however, i recognise that delivery of these additional orders will be challenging as the environment in which we are operating becomes steadily more competitive.

“in addition, demand for conventional ammunition products will continue to shrink in the short term due to worldwide economic issues and reduced levels of military operations. we will once again require the support of everyone to help us continue to improve our business winning performance.

“a good example of how other functions can help

us is by continuing to support our reputation for the safe delivery of quality

products to customers.”

All can help Munitions’ global future

bae systems strategy 2012

Nine key objectives for GCSall employees will be finding out more about the bae systems and gcs strategies during briefings held across all sites. but as a taster, below are the nine objectives that will drive gcs forward in 2012:• Continue to improve shE performance across all sites• revise our business strategy

and organisation to better serve our customers• improve competitiveness by reducing business costs• deliver quality products and services on time and cost• Exceed our budgeted financial performance• increase focus on our support services business

• win export contracts across all businesses• prioritise investment to deliver optimum benefit• Continue to develop our employees.

in the next edition, Advantage will talk to John gutteridge, strategy & planning and Business development director about the gCs strategy and the changing market place.

glascoed EmployEE hElEn williams shows gCs managing dirECtor CharliE BlakEmorE and frank popE, prEsidEnt of land & armamEnts, how to tiE togEthEr thE ChargEs for 105mm artillEry – a triCky task whiCh thEy Both triEd for thEmsElvEs.frank was touring thE munitions sitE as part of his visit to thE uk in fEBruary. frank’s visit followEd an EarliEr tour of vEhiClEs’ sitE at tElford By his Boss BoB murphy, ExECutivE viCE prEsidEnt, produCts sECtor.

cash generation day-to-day.“Total Performance is something

each and every employee can recognise and use to make a difference in day-to-day activities.

“In terms of getting more out of the business we’ve got, employees should look to increase those activities which grow value – those things that customers would value and would pay for – and minimise anything which does not.

“A good example I think is quality. If you’re doing some work, ensure it’s right first time and meets the requirements of the client, whether they’re internal or external, thereby eliminating re-work and minimising the cost.”

This same approach is being taken at a strategic level, with each business assessing what contribution its activities are making to profits and cash, prioritising those activities that are contributing more.

“The strategic framework recognises that different businesses are operating in different market conditions, and therefore the expectations for what they can achieve will differ accordingly.

“In markets such as cyber and intelligence, top line growth is viable and achievable, but in some areas it will be more difficult.

“Ideally we’d like all areas to grow but in some parts of the business that will be more challenging, and therefore the emphasis will be on increasing profits and cash contribution.

“The Group Strategic Framework recognises this and gives everybody an opportunity to really take the initiative, but in a co-ordinated direction.

“By making it simple and allowing people to see what they can individually contribute, I hope this strategy will be something employees take away and talk about among themselves.”


12 • SPOTLigHT

the Telford site has undergone major changes at the same time as delivering vital upgrades for

Warrior and CVR(T). The site is being reconfigured to deliver comprehensive support services for both UK and export customers.

It now offers a set of capabilities, unrivalled in the UK defence industry. Technologies and capabilities from all parts of the Vehicles business in the UK have now been integrated into one site, offering major benefits to export customers as well as the UK customer.

Assets from Newcastle, Leicester, Leeds and Wolverhampton have been

consolidated into the Midlands site. In addition, people with specialist skills have also relocated to Telford, enhancing an already highly capable workforce.

Site General Manager Bob George said: “Telford has changed significantly over the last 12 months and will keep evolving to meet current and future customer requirements, particularly in these times of tight budgets.

“Already, our combination of facilities in one place gives huge synergies over the whole product life cycle and means we can design and deliver support solutions more

telford ramps up

gCs site reconfigured to offer customers unique one-stop shop for support services for afvs and bridging

quickly and effectively than ever before.”

Telford supports one of the widest and most comprehensive armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) portfolios in the world – light, medium and heavy vehicles, both wheeled and tracked.

In addition, the BR90 bridging system is now managed from Telford, including the rapid reaction Bridging War Reserve – available to be deployed at a moment’s notice by the UK’s Armed Forces.

Vehicles supported out of Telford include Challenger 2, Warrior, CVR (T), Pinzgauer, BR90, Panther, Titan, Trojan and Terrier.

midlands makeover

Mike Jervis, Head of Customer Services UKwe invite existing and potential customers to visit telford to see the full range of capabilities we have. we welcome the opportunity to share with them the cost-effective services we can offer including training, uor programmes and vehicle upgrades.

Bob George, Site General Managerthe transfer of capability into telford is progressing well. there is a very different feel to the telford site from 12 months ago – employees are more engaged at all levels.

Paul Macey, Operations & SHE Manageras the site ramps up its capabilities, the behaviours of employees are also changing with various site initiatives on safety, health and environment already in place. we are also transferring in best practice from within the gCs business to ensure we meet our targets in 2012.

Tim Rutter, Head of Integration & Restructuringour unique capability at telford, including the ability to manufacture and repair aluminium hulls and bridges gives us a platform for growth in support services, even in current tough economic conditions.

how they see it

above: ConvErting sCimitar (forEground) to sCimitar 2 has BEEn a maJor suCCEss for tElford


SPOTLigHT • 13

Campaign launch for safety standard telford held a launch day in its bid to achieve smm level 5 by the end of 2012 – a huge undertaking to achieve in such a short space of time.

smm is the five-level safety maturity matrix which provides a common framework for measuring and managing safety performance across the business.

to date, all other sites within gCs have secured this exemplar

status and the spotlight is now on telford to complete the set.

smm criteria include leadership, compliance, competence, improvement and performance.

a launch day, hosted by Bob george, aimed at all site leaders, was crucial to ensure they can engage their teams in smm5.

this campaign was further rolled out across the site in february.

telford’s offerings, unique in the uK, include:• one-stop shop for AFV and Bridging support – from Design Authority through to spare parts, and much more • unique manufacture and repair capability for aluminium hulls, such as CVR (T) and Warrior, and bridges• highly flexible vehicle workshop offering maintenance and rapid development of upgrade packages• Systems Integration Facility with 3D dome, electronic software and vetronics laboratories to allow concepts, design and upgrade solutions to be developed more quickly and cost-effectively• comprehensive training services on one site, including classroom, vehicle driving areas (including a test track), training systems design and maintenance, and support to computer-based training• fully integrated logistics and warehouse management.

above: tElford and its workforCE offEr a sEt of CapaBilitiEs unrivallEd in thE uk dEfEnCE industry

telford has changed significantly over the last 12 months and will keep evolving to meet current and future customer requirements, particularly in these times of tight budgets


14 • innOvaTiOn

smart mortar round unveiled

Precision strike capability is world first for Munitions

gCS’s Munitions business and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical

Systems have demonstrated a “smart” 81mm mortar round.

The two organisations teamed up over a year ago to develop, demonstrate and produce the world’s first affordable, precision 81mm Roll Controlled Guided Mortar (RCGM) round.

RCGM was successfully demonstrated in January at Yuma in Arizona to customers from six nations, including the US.

The 81mm RCGM uses the current UK L41 bomb and US M734A1 fuze, but with GPS guidance and General Dynamics’ patented Roll Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) technology to provide a precision strike capability.

Ian Anderton, Munitions Managing Director, said: “RCGM will put, for the first time, a

low-cost indirect precision system into the hands of the front-line

soldier, dramatically increasing his combat effectiveness.

“The system’s increased accuracy will help bring effective

fire on target quicker, and the reduced number of rounds required for a typical mission will mean an approximate 30 per cent reduction in logistics demands – an important consideration at the end of extended supply lines in theatres.”

Michael Wilson, President of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, added: “By using existing warheads and fusing with our low-cost control and guidance system, we can offer a truly affordable precision mortar round to the US, UK and allies across the world.”

above: ian andErton, munitions managing dirECtor

“rcgm will put, for the first time, a low-cost indirect precision system into the hands of the front-line soldier, dramatically increasing his combat effectiveness”


HeaLTH and SafeTy • 15

Cultural change has been focused on performance, leadership, quality and clarity. the results are benefiting everyone, especially our customers, and the techniques can be put to work elsewhere in the Company – p16

initiAtivES>

The work of GCS Munitions chemical engineers at Glascoed and their important contribution to safety were featured in the February edition of the Institute of Chemical Engineering’s (IChemE ) magazine.

The article highlighted the role of chemical engineers in the design process for the filling of shells with either conventional melt-cast TNT or insensitive polymer-bonded explosives (PBX), currently in development.

Glascoed employs many of GCS’s UK chemical engineers and the site has successfully achieved IChemE ACTS accreditation to better support their professional development. They are involved in the entire life cycle of an artillery shell, from concept and design, through manufacture to disposal.

Chemical engineers also collaborate with BAE Systems civil engineers to design suitable buildings for the shell-filling processes. Understanding the process means chemical engineers can advise on a layout for the building.

“Safety is of paramount importance,” said Glascoed chemical engineer and IChemE Fellow Andy Carrett, who is Design Authority

Classic approach to keeping fit gCs vehicles in Örnsköldsvik is challenging its employees to undertake a “BaE systems Classic”. the aim is to attract more people to exercise and also achieve better health by counteracting stress.

the idea, part of the green line keep-fit project launched by hr in Örnsköldsvik this year, is based on the concept of the

“swedish Classic”, a nationwide exercise challenge, in which participants compete in skiing (90km), cycling (300km), swimming (3km) and running (30km) events over the course of one year.

in the “BaE systems Classic”, participants must cover the same distances but they can split it up into as many sessions as they like.

Courses or seminars to inspire employees to complete the Classic are being held, such as one in January on skiing. pictured left is robert Åström from hägglunds sports association demonstrating how to apply wax on skis.

“we want to find new ways of encouraging our employees to do more exercise and combat stress,” said hr adviser kurt Byström.

Safety is essential element in chemical engineers’ formula

for Munitions. “We must be sure exactly what’s in everything we use, especially since a major part of our work is focused on assessing risk and

complying with all regulations since we are a top-tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site.

“What we do is all about safety. It is not just about process safety. We are ultimately protecting the safety of the individual soldiers, airmen and sailors serving on active duty, a responsibility which we treat with the highest respect.”

above: proCEss EnginEEr roB wilson monitors artillEry shEll filling


16 • cuSTOmer fOcuS

a 15-month programme of culture change and investment has led to a 30 per cent increase

in heavy shell production capacity at Glascoed.

This step change in performance – part of the site’s MASS transformation led by General Manager Huw Samuel – has not only created greater flexibility in the delivery to the UK Armed Forces but also established a template for increased productivity elsewhere on the site.

“Setting up the ‘Model Cell’ process involved a great deal of personal commitment from everyone in Heavy Shell and exceptional teamwork,” said Huw. “The result has seen significant improvements in both efficiency and

quality of manufacture, with fewer shells failing an even more rigorous quality regime. We had identified some legacy issues and needed to involve everyone in addressing them.

“It is never easy when you are changing 40 years of traditional working practices and challenging people to improve their performance, but their response has been superb.”

The 30 per cent improvement followed the introduction of standardised and optimised filling processes – and gave the team a big sense of achievement.

Process Manager Jane Hynam said:“We were pretty certain that if we involved every single member of the team in this challenge, then we

could bring about a step change in productivity. It involved some open and frank conversations, inviting people to challenge the accepted way of doing things, showing them the numbers and saying ‘This is what we can achieve together’.

“Along with a change in the culture, it also highlighted some investment needs that we resolved one by one. The increase in quality and production shows how the transformation has worked at every level. Other key benefits include achieving, for the first time in the history of heavy shell production, a zero-defects shift.”

Huw said: “This cultural change has been focused on performance, leadership, quality and clarity. These results are benefiting everyone, especially our customers, and the techniques behind them can be put to work not only in other sections at Glascoed but elsewhere in the Company.”

right: glasCoEd gEnEral managEr huw samuEl, holding a 105mm shEll, surroundEd By thE tEam at thE group 9 produCtion arEa

A model case of transformation

Glascoed team’s commitment results in 30 per cent increase in heavy shell production capacity

it is never easy changing traditional working practices and challenging people to improve their performance, but their response has been superb


cuSTOmer fOcuS • 17

bishopton test facility

British troops and the local Bishopton community will benefit from the completion of a new £1.3m office building at the BAE Systems site in Renfrewshire.

The new single-storey building, constructed by local firm Clark Contracts, on time and to budget, is part of the 460-acre Environmental

Test Facility (ETF) and home to more than 30 Munitions personnel.

The ETF helps to de-risk military equipment before it is used on operations by subjecting it to vibration, heat, cold, damp and other extremes to ensure that the equipment works reliably and safely under all conditions.

The testing is often dubbed “shake, rattle and roll” in the way it is designed to mimic the harsh conditions to which equipment can be subjected in battle.

At the opening of the new facility, Jim Sheridan, the local MP, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in building this superb new facility. This is the first milestone for the future of the site.

“Bishopton has a proud and illustrious past and I am very pleased that BAE Systems is going to be part of its future.

“Their plans for the redevelopment of the rest of the site will be a huge benefit to the local area and the Bishopton community.

“When completed, the redeveloped site, one of the largest brownfield

redevelopment schemes in the UK, will provide new homes, recreational facilities, commercial buildings and jobs (see below).”

The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the first of the new Munitions gate guardians, the design of which was submitted by Washington-based employee Ron Barlow, who observed: “When I first entered the design competition in November 2009, I never thought that I would win. To now be at Bishopton to see my design turned into reality is overwhelming and a day I will never forget.”

Thriving new community will arise the transformation of the former royal ordnance site at Bishopton in scotland is one of the largest brownfield site regeneration projects in the uk. the multi-million pound project is being undertaken by BaE systems’

real Estate solutions business over the next 15 years, transforming the site into a new, thriving community. the development will expand the community of Bishopton and create local employment and

commercial opportunities. there will be different types of housing for families and the elderly, a primary school, a community centre, a library, a health centre and plenty of open spaces for formal and informal recreation.

The seeds of enterpriseenvironment

munitions workers from several sites turned out at Bishopton to start work on landscaping around the new administration building. initial work focused on creating a garden area, to benefit both employees and wildlife. native plants and trees were carefully selected to encourage local wildlife to recolonise the area and ensure environmental sustainability for many years.

Employees based at or visiting the site will be able to use the gardens for walks or lunch upon completion of the landscaping work.

“the timing of this work was particularly welcome,” said Bishopton general manager simon Cocker, “since the site lost over 50 trees in a big storm in early January.”

our work at Glascoed is all about making life safer for our servicemen and women across the globe. when one of those servicemen is also a member of your team, that message is brought even closer to home – p18

initiAtivES>

above: munitions EmployEE ron Barlow saw his “airBurst” vision of a gatE guardian turnEd into rEality at thE nEw Bishopton faCility

Guardian to watch over regeneration


18 • PeOPLe

career story When Stefan Löfven, chairman of the biggest Swedish trade union, IF Metall, was appointed Social Democratic party leader in January, part of the media focus was on GCS Vehicles in Örnsköldsvik.

As Stefan Löfven is the first Social Democratic party leader who has had a “real” job outside political life, Swedish media concentrated on telling the Löfven story starting from the beginning of his career in the workshops at GCS Vehicles (at that time Hägglunds).

It was in November 1979 that Stefan Löfven stepped into the Hägglunds facilities as a welder and didn’t step out again until 16 years later.

Stefan always had an interest in workers’ conditions and rights, an interest that grew during the years at Hägglunds.

For instance, he couldn’t accept that workers only had cartons to sit at during their “fika” (a Swedish coffee-

break tradition) so he pushed for, and got, chairs and a table.

When he left Hägglunds he moved to Stockholm and eventually became chairman of the biggest union of them all, IF Metall. For years Stefan was a member of the Social Democratic executive committee, and in January this year he became the new party leader. Next goal is to win the next elections in 2014.

territorial army

nigel kill, a territorial army volunteer from raglan, has returned to munitions at glascoed after a six-month tour of duty in Qatar. Based at al udeld airbase, nigel was part of the joint force logistics headquarters working as a force movements warrant officer.

nigel, an environmental advisor at glascoed, returned safely to his wife and five children having relished his opportunity: “it’s been a fantastic experience to serve on operations alongside our regular colleagues – it was one of the reasons i joined the territorial army. i’m extremely

grateful for the support from my family and employers during my mobilised service.”

huw samuel, general manager, said: “our work at glascoed is all about making life safer for our servicemen and women across the globe. when one of those servicemen is also a member of your team, that message is brought even closer to home.”• Another GCS volunteer, Jim graham, head of sales and operations planning at telford, known for his blog from afghanistan, has also returned home after serving as British army liaison officer with the us marines at Camp leatherneck.

Boxing cleverhelp for heroes

former film special effects creator stuart murdoch led a team of four in creating this eggscellent Challenger tank model.

they took 512 hours to finish the life-size sculpture, created from 5,016 egg boxes for an annual egg-and-spoon race run by Eggs for soldiers in aid of help for heroes.

stuart said: “the biggest challenge was getting it through the double doors of the imperial war museum in one piece for the photo shoot.”

help for heroes has raised more than £125m since its launch in october 2007. all funds raised go to supporting uk servicemen and women who are wounded, injured or become sick.

GCS volunteers home from the front

Former welder who could be future PM

below: stEfan lÖfvEn (sECond from lEft) and thE thEn primE ministEr, thE latE olof palmE (lEft), piCturEd during palmE’s visit to hägglunds in 1985. stEfan has told how hE was vEry nErvous and hardly EvEn darEd to shakE hands with thE primE ministEr on that visit. olof palmE was assassinatEd a yEar latEr

above: nigEl, BaCk homE with his family aftEr his six-month tour of duty


PeOPLe • 19

It’s time to Peakas last year’s winners of the gCs three peaks Challenge, glascoed will be organising this year’s event on saturday 19 may, which will be held in the stunning setting of the Brecon Beacons in aid of the army Benevolent fund.

starting and finishing in Brecon, the routes will take in several peaks, including pen y fan. there will be the usual short and long walks, along with a family-orientated treasure hunt around Brecon. the event will start and finish at Brecon rugby Club with free camping available.

for further information, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Reopening goes with a swinga new children’s playground and the re-emergence of alsager town football Club following a disastrous fire have been made possible thanks to support from munitions.

pictured at the re-opening of the wood park playground is local mp fiona Bruce and a pupil from highfields primary school.

fiona said: “this has been a tremendous community effort and you can clearly see the difference. i would like to thank everyone for all their time and efforts. alsager is clearly united.”

gCs managing director Charlie Blakemore responded: “like other supporters, we believe that a friendly play area and an active local football club, which manages and develops 17 teams, are very important community assets.”

Smallest is best in Charity ChallengeTwo Munitions sites have been recognised for their work in support of local charities and their communities. Ridsdale range received the Best Site award while Radway Green won the Volunteering award.

They will both receive a trophy and £2,500 to donate to a charity of their choice.

Munitions Managing Director Ian Anderton said: “Congratulations to everyone

involved since only four awards in total were made.”

The Charity Challenge awards on 30 January recognised those teams and sites that have made an outstanding contribution through Charity Challenge activities over the course of the campaign.

Comments from the judging panel included: “Ridsdale range is the smallest site in

Charity Challenge with just 17 employees and they have had an amazing first campaign. The £910 they raised was very impressive (£53 per employee) but their volunteering also impressed the judges as they have done 734 hours (43 hours per employee).”

For Radway Green, the judges observed: “Their volunteering nomination really impressed us. Not only has the site clocked over 3,000 hours of volunteering, which equals one day of volunteering for every employee on site, but they have managed to do a diverse range of activities that has reached out to the whole community.”

weapons’ niCk Chinn has ComplEtEd his 5892m kilimanJaro ClimB in aid of maCmillan CanCEr support. “thE advEnturE was a lot morE dEmanding than i EnvisagEd it would BE, Both physiCally and mEntally,” hE said. “would i do it again? aBsolutEly not!” niCk’s Charity wEBpagE www.Justgiving.Com/niCk-Chinn will rEmain opEn for a fEw morE wEEks. niCk thanks EvEryonE who has donatEd so far.

See Emily play… Telford employee Emily Braund has played for England in the Six Nations rugby tournament, coming on as substitute against both Scotland and Italy.

England women beat Scotland 47-0 on 4 February and followed that with a 43-3 triumph over Italy the following weekend. The latter match took place on an artificial pitch in Recco due to a high level of snow in Milan. The England team had to travel 180km on a three-hour bus journey to the new venue, but they still played well against a spirited Italian side.

Costing and Pricing Officer Emily plays for Lichfield in the Women’s

Rugby Premiership. She made her England A debut against the Barbarians last year followed by a spot on the team against Spain.

Talking about her international selection, Emily said: “It is a massive honour to be selected for the England team. The whole occasion was amazing – running out in an England shirt and singing the anthem was just awesome. It will always be a very treasured memory.”

above: somEwhErE in that sCrum against sCotland is Emily (BElow)

20 • PeOPLe


reward and recognition

The 2012 BAE Systems Chairman’s Awards programme has now been launched. “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise those people within Global Combat Systems who help to sustain our competitive edge,” said GCS champion Colin Spence.

The Chairman’s Awards was established in 1996 to “recognise people whose ideas, actions and behaviours make BAE Systems a more competitive company and help us live our values”.

There are four categories in which you can submit nominations:

innovation This category celebrates the results of behaviour that has stimulated or promoted innovation new to the

company or to its field in general. Nominations must demonstrate evidence of a proven and used solution that will lead – or has already led – to improved business performance.

transferring best practice Examples of best practice in knowledge, technology and ideas shared across BAE Systems are highly valued in our collaborative culture. They should demonstrate significant value to the business and can originate from within the company, a partner organisation or an external company.

enhancing customer performance This category recognises employees who deliver cost, quality, schedule or other improvements, or who significantly enhance the customer/supplier business relationship.

How to set the gold standard

supporting our total performance culture This category rewards the efforts of employees who best represent the company’s commitment to maintaining a culture that promotes positive values in every aspect of its business. Nominations will reflect engagement with and promotion of BAE Systems’ culture of Total Performance.

Nominations are awarded through a three level Bronze-Silver-Gold process and the awards ceremonies.

above: gCs Chairman’s awards sponsor Colin spEnCE at last yEar’s BronzE awards CErEmony. for morE information on how to nominatE, thE sCoring CritEria, so that you Can EnsurE you arE nominating in thE right CatEgory and to viEw prEvious winnErs plEasE visit thE Chairman’s awards sitE on thE gloBal intranEt (sEE BElow)

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