Rationalisation
At the time of the sale, RO Defence had 16 factories; and some 19,000 personnel were employed. Shortly after privatisation, it has closed and sold its sites at ROF Patricroft, RSAF Enfield and Waltham Abbey South.
In April 1992 BAe / RO Defence bought BMARC and Poudreries Réunies de Belgique (PRB) from the receivers of the failed Astra Holdings; and later Muiden Chemie. In 1991 RO Defence also bought the small arms ammunition interests of Heckler & Koch.
In 2000 the Head Quarters of Royal Ordnance was moved from RO Chorley to BAE Systems' Filton site and manufacturing ceased at RO Bishopton.
Read more about this topic: Royal Ordnance