Construction work on HM Factory, Gretna started in November 1915 under the general supervision of S P Pearson & Sons. Up to 10,000 Irish navvies worked on the site as well as concurrently building the two wooden townships to house the workers at Gretna and Eastriggs. To prevent problems with the influx of construction and munition workers, authorities implemented the State Management Scheme which curtailed alcohol sales through the nationalisation of pubs and breweries in the vicinity. Medical issues at the facility were overseen by Dr Thomas Goodall Nasmyth FRSE.