# Isembard opens London factory amid UK defence surge

> Isembard opens 160,000 sq ft factory near Tower Bridge to support UK defence manufacturing.
- Title: Isembard opens London factory amid UK defence surge · Dealroom
- Summary: Isembard opens 160,000 sq ft factory near Tower Bridge to support UK defence manufacturing. Isembard opens a 160,000 sq ft factory in Southwark, UK, to…
- Keywords: isembard, tower bridge, uk defence, southwark, financial times, defence manufacturing, drones, rockets, submarines, jet engines, anduril, babcock
- Source: Dealroom — https://dealroom.co/news/150867-isembard-opens-factory-a-mile-from-tower-bridge-amid-uk-defence-surge
- Published: 2026-09-15T13:04:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: isembard, tower bridge, uk defence, southwark, financial times, defence manufacturing, drones, rockets, submarines, jet engines, anduril, babcock
## Isembard opens factory
Isembard opens a 160,000 sq ft four-floor factory and HQ in Southwark, a mile from Tower Bridge.
## Defence manufacturing surge
The plant produces components for drones, rockets, robots, submarines and jet engines for UK defence contractors.
## UK defence capacity growth
Headcount targets 200 by end-2027, with MoD opening drone test site in Swindon and Sirius Real Estate targeting €1bn in defence property.
## Key takeaway

Isembard opens a 160,000 sq ft factory in Southwark, UK, to produce components for defence contractors amid rising UK defence demand.