Chippenham-based supply chain firm Wincanton has secured a new contract with defence giant BAE Systems to provide full logistics and warehousing services that support its UK shipbuilding operations.
Under the long-term agreement, which starts with the outsourcing of all logistics and warehousing at BAE Systems’ sites in Glasgow, Wincanton will operate a central warehousing facility, inbound scheduling and collections and provision of modular re-useable crates. 
These activities will also be supported by Wincanton’s facility in nearby Motherwell, which supports BAE’s construction of the Queen Elizabeth (QE) Class aircraft carriers, pictured in an artist’s impression. The contract, financial details of which have not been disclosed, also includes BAE’s programme to develop three new River Class offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Navy.
BAE Systems’ Naval Ships transformation director Charlie Blakemore said: “We have an existing relationship with Wincanton through the QE Class programme.
“During this programme the company has demonstrated its ability to add value to complex defence procurement programmes, making Wincanton the perfect fit to lead our wider logistics operations.
“This marks a significant step in our drive to transform our business, creating a world-class UK naval engineering capability. Wincanton will help us to improve quality and efficiency in the delivery of complex warships, making our business more competitive in the long term.”
Wincanton chief executive Eric Born added: “The importance of an efficient shipbuilding industry to both Scotland and the wider UK cannot be underestimated, and we are committed and proud to be supporting BAE Systems at such a crucial time in its history.
“While this announcement underlines our position as the UK’s leading logistics partner to the defence sector, more important is the wider picture, which is a leaner, more efficient logistics operation for BAE Systems, enhancing its world-class shipbuilding capabilities.”
