David Bond Awarded CBE for Services to Defence Supply Chain

David Bond, the former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters, has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours list for his significant contributions to the defence supply chain. Mr. Bond, who served at Sheffield Forgemasters from 2018, played a pivotal role in securing government recognition for the company’s sovereign capabilities, solidifying its importance to the UK’s defence strategy.

In 2021, Mr. Bond led a management team that successfully transitioned the 200-year-old company from an employee share ownership model to being under the ownership of the UK Ministry of Defence. This three-year-long initiative not only secured the company’s future but also initiated a substantial investment programme to drive its growth and development.

Sir Tim Fraser, chair of Sheffield Forgemasters, expressed his delight at Mr. Bond’s national recognition. “We are thrilled that David has been honoured for his invaluable services to the UK Defence supply chain,” Sir Tim said. “David led Sheffield Forgemasters through a difficult period, from a challenging start to government ownership and a much brighter future. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.”

During his tenure, Mr. Bond led a major restructuring of Sheffield Forgemasters, consolidating multiple businesses into one unified entity with a fresh set of values and a robust performance management system. His leadership also brought about operational changes that prioritized safety, improved customer relations, and ensured on-time delivery through the creation of a customer programmes team.

In addition, Mr. Bond championed the integration of Industry 4.0 practices and systems, enabling Sheffield Forgemasters to modernize its operations. The revitalization of the company has led to a significant recapitalization of its 85-acre site, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 13,000-tonne open die forging line and a new 35,000m² machining centre, housing some of the world’s largest and most advanced vertical turning lathes.

Under his leadership, Sheffield Forgemasters also became a key manufacturer for the SSN-AUKUS submarine programme, which is set to replace the existing Astute-class nuclear submarines. Additionally, the company restarted the production of gun barrels for the UK defence programme after a 20-year hiatus.

David Bond’s legacy at Sheffield Forgemasters has left the company well-positioned for continued success, ensuring its vital role in supporting the UK’s defence capabilities for years to come.