Hampshire defence firm Chemring 'pleased' with ending of four-year corruption probe without prosecutions

Defence system and ammunition manufacturer Chemring – which has had offices in Whiteley and its headquarters in Romsey – was the subject of a UK fraud office probe into alleged bribery, corruption and money laundering.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) opened its investigation into the activities of Chemring, its subsidiary Chemring Technology Solutions and associated persons in 2018 after the division handed its own report to the SFO.

The firm said it co-operated fully with the SFO throughout the investigation and is ‘pleased’ the matter is now closed.

A spokesman for the company said: ‘Chemring remains committed to conducting its business in an ethical and responsible manner at all times, and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.’

The firm employs more than 2,300 people in its offices across the globe.

The company designs and makes products such as decoys, flares, detonators and grenades.

Chemring also develops systems to protect aircraft and ships against missiles, as well as sensor equipment to detect improvised explosive devices.

The company, which was set up in the early 20th century on the south coast to manufacture equipment to convert gas-powered street lighting to run on electricity, has production facilities across the UK, US, Australia and Norway.

Its recent half-year results showed pre-tax profits lifted to £28.9m in the six months to April 30 from £24.3m a year earlier as revenues rose 11 per cent to £220.4m.