2 minute read - 31st October 2024
BAE Systems to invest £220m at factory in Rochester
BAE Systems is to invest £220m to upgrade its facilities in Rochester, Kent. The site, which is home to the UK-based elements of its Electronic Systems business, will undergo significant renovation to create a new state-of-the-art factory of more than 32,000 square metres.
The 1,600-strong workforce in Rochester specialises in advanced aerospace technologies such as head-up displays, helmet-mounted displays, flight control computers and active control sticks for civil and military aircraft worldwide. The site is also part of the Electronic Systems global support service centre, providing repairs to commercial airliners every day of the year.
The new facility will combine manufacturing, engineering and office space. The investment also includes improvements to utilities, car parking and office refurbishments across the site. BAE Systems says it expects the increased capacity provided by a more efficient and sustainable facility will enable it to create 300 jobs over the next five years.
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BAE Systems is to invest £220m in upgrading its factory in Rochester – home to its Electronics Systems business / Picture: BAE Systems
Dave Banks, centre director at BAE Systems Rochester, said: “Our skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation. This significant investment will help us attract additional highly skilled jobs to the Medway area – ensuring that we can deliver for our customers who depend on our products to complete their missions.”
The Rochester community has been home to the development and manufacture of aviation technology for more than 100 years. Work is already underway to prepare the site for the redevelopment, which is due to start in 2025.
The project is the latest investment that BAE Systems is making in its UK facilities. A £300m transformation of shipbuilding facilities is underway in Glasgow and more than £200m is being spent on upgrading the UK munitions business to meet increased demand. The company continues to invest in research and development, skills, national supply chains and local communities.
Councillor Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, added: “As our largest private sector employer, this is a strong vote of confidence in Medway being a great place for businesses to invest and grow from BAE Systems. As well as boosting the local economy, this investment will provide even more skilled employment opportunities for local people, help develop young talent and encourage others to base their businesses here.”
