BAE Systems - Experts & Thought Leaders

Vigor announced Mark Norris has joined the company as Vice President of Marine Fabrication. Norris will oversee one of the pioneering and most innovative marine vessel fabricators in the U.S., which is currently in production on the Maneuver Support Vehicle (Light), or MSVL, the U.S. Army’s new generation landing craft. He will be responsible for growing and maintaining an experienced, skilled team, while leading Vigor’s defence and commercial marine fabrication projects. Vigor’s Marine Fabrication division Mark has nearly four decades of experience heading major defence programs “We are fortunate to have someone with Mark’s wealth of experience and knowledge joining at a critical time for Vigor’s Marine Fabrication division,” said Francesco Valente, CEO and President of Vigor, adding “This is an exciting time for Vigor, as we double down on our core strengths and look toward long-term growth opportunities in this market.” A veteran of the defence and marine industries, Mark has nearly four decades of experience heading major defence programs. He spent 25 years at Lockheed Martin across multiple programs, rising to Vice President of Joint Programs for the Army and Navy. Vision for future growth Mark Norris then joined Fincantieri and most recently led strategy and business development for BAE Systems Inc.’s F-35 Lightening II program, a critical skill he will bring to Vigor. “I couldn’t be more excited to join Vigor at this moment, when the company is already doing such important work and has a great vision for future growth,” said Mark Norris, adding “The talent and expertise within this company are well-known, and this is a great opportunity to help elevate our work to new heights.”  Mark Norris will be based at Vigor’s Vancouver, Washington facility.

APCL Group facility - Cammell Laird welcomed Rear Admiral Donald Doull CBE to its facility recently.  The Rear Admiral, Senior Responsible Officer for the Royal Navy's Dreadnought Submarine Programme, visited Cammell Laird to present an award in recognition of its exceptional contribution to Dreadnought programme delivery. Birkenhead facility tour The Rear Admiral was invited for a presentation with APCL directors, followed by a full workforce briefing and tour of the Birkenhead facility, where the units are being fabricated. The Dreadnought Class will replace the existing Vanguard fleet and will be the Royal Navy’s biggest, most powerful, and technically advanced submarines, when they begin to enter service in the early 2030s. UK nuclear deterrent Rear Admiral Donald Doull spoke of the increasing importance of the UK nuclear deterrent Rear Admiral Donald Doull spoke of the increasing importance of the UK nuclear deterrent, the UK’s nuclear attack submarine force, and the critical role played by Cammell Laird in delivering them. Mike Hill, Managing Director of Cammell Laird, said, "The Dreadnought programme has been a key facilitator of growth not only for our business but our award-winning apprenticeship programme." Workforce skills Mike Hill adds, "I am proud that so many local young people continue to learn their trade on a project of such national importance. This award is a testament to the commitment and skills of our entire workforce and I am proud to share this award with every one of them." Block-build units In addition to delivering Dreadnought, Cammell Laird successfully delivered the block-build units for boats four, five, six, and seven of the new Astute Class for BAE Systems, which will equip the UK Royal Navy with its largest and most powerful fleet of attack submarines. Each of the seven new Astute Class nuclear-powered submarines weighs approximately 17,200 tonnes and provides the Royal Navy with enhanced capabilities in terms of power, weapons load, communication facilities, and stealth.

Construction has begun on a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow. The Academy will comprise of a Modern Trade Hall and a Flexible Learning Hub. The Academy will support the development of the entire workforce, from apprentices to senior leaders, and forms part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to develop future talent. New Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow A historic industrial building will be retrofitted to become the Modern Trade Hall It will accelerate the modernisation of Glasgow’s historic shipbuilding industry, up-skilling the existing workforce whilst attracting new talent to secure its future for generations to come. A historic industrial building will be retrofitted to become the Modern Trade Hall, with areas dedicated to each shipbuilding trade, ship-realistic mock up environments and research & technology facilities. Immediately adjacent will be a Flexible Learning Hub, containing more than 30 classrooms, a STEM innovation lab and office facilities. The Shipbuilding Academy will offer bespoke training On completion in the second half of 2024, the Shipbuilding Academy will provide bespoke training for almost 4,500 employees, including nearly 700 apprentices. These new facilities will also enable a substantial expansion of the successful early careers programmes at BAE Systems, doubling the intake in Glasgow to more than 200 new apprentices each year.