Update: FN UK to begin expansion of small arms manufacturing capability

FN UK completed M2HB QCB MK2 .50 BMG heavy machine guns and MAG 7.62×51mm general purpose machine guns. (Janes/Sean Reardon)

FN UK, a subsidiary of FN Browning Group, told Janes in December of its plans to expand production and put forward a domestically manufactured assault rifle for the UK's upcoming Project Grayburn SA80 replacement tender.

FN UK's facility in southeast London is one of a handful of military small arms manufacturers remaining in the United Kingdom. FN UK staff showed Janes their busy production lines: for the L111A1 M2 heavy machine gun fleet upgrade, for manufacturing of the FN MAG (Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général) 7.62×51 mm general-purpose machine gun, and for the M2HB Quick Change Barrel (QCB) 12.7×99 mm heavy machine gun.

The nine-building, 40,000 sq ft site employs nearly 100 people and operates at near full capacity with contracts being fulfilled for international customers purchasing M2HB QCB 12.7×99 mm heavy machine guns and FN MAG 7.62×51 mm general purpose machine guns. The M2's QCB technology was pioneered at this site by Manroy Engineering, which was acquired by FN along with the facility in 2014.

The site supports a full production line, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, shot blasting, phosphating, electroplating, and quality control testing. FN UK's Quality and NDT Co-ordinator, James Hartley, told Janes that with the exception of the weapons barrels, which are imported from FN's Belgian headquarters, all manufacturing, assembly, and quality control are conducted on site.