2 min read - 11 Aug, 2025
Eaton breaks ground on new facility at Solent Airport
Intelligent power management company Eaton has broken ground on its new 176,000 sq ft facility at Solent Airport Daedalus in Hampshire. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the site scheduled to be fully operational by the middle of 2027. The facility will replace Eaton’s current site in Fareham at Abbey Works, which has been operational since 1960.
The move aims to maintain the future of aerospace fuel and inerting system component manufacture on the South Coast for current and future generations. The sustainable facility will incorporate the latest technologies and target EPC A+ & BREEAM Excellent ratings for sustainability. This will provide capacity for future increases in aircraft production volume and ensure that Eaton is at the forefront of sustainable, cryogenic fuel and inerting system technologies for the next generation of aircraft.
Set to be operational in 2027, Eaton has broken ground on its new 176,000 sq ft facility at Solent Airport Daedalus / Picture: Eaton
Matt Price, general manager of Eaton’s Fuel Systems Business Unit, said: “Eaton is delighted to start the construction of our new site at Daedalus, following the signing of the long-term lease with Royal London Asset Management and Graftongate as the principal developer. The new facility represents a significant investment for Eaton in our Fuel Systems business, ensuring we retain our market-leading competitive position through the implementation of cutting-edge technology and production systems. It demonstrates our commitment to our employees, our customers, the local area, and the wider UK manufacturing base.”
The groundbreaking ceremony with attendees including Eaton presidents and Fareham Borough Council / Picture: Eaton
Cllr Simon Martin, executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, said, “Eaton has been a major employer in Fareham for decades, so it is really good news that we are retaining them in the area. Daedalus is our largest dedicated employment site and already home to hundreds of jobs. The addition of the Eaton workforce, comprising hundreds more, is great news for everyone.”
Winvic has been chosen as the construction partner for this development.
