BAE Systems announced on 29 October 2024 that it is to invest GBP 220 million (EUR 264.5 million) to upgrade its facilities in Rochester, Kent.
The site, which is home to the company’s UK-based Electronic Systems business, will undergo significant renovation to create a new state-of-the-art factory of more than 32,000 m2. Work is already underway to prepare the site for the major redevelopment, which is due to start in 2025.
BAE Systems’ 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.
The new facility will combine manufacturing, engineering and office space tp provide what BAE Systems says will be “a refreshed, modern and flexible working environment”. The investment also includes improvements to utilities, car parking and office refurbishments across the site.
The company expects the increased capacity provided by a more efficient and sustainable facility will enable it to create 300 jobs there over the next five years.
“Our skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation,” Dave Banks, BAE Systems’ Rochester Business Centre director, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “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 project is the latest investment that BAE Systems is making in its UK facilities. A GBP 300 million transformation of shipbuilding facilities is underway in Glasgow and more than GBP 200 million is being spent on upgrading the UK munitions business to meet increased demand.
