New jobs for Lancashire as logistics firm moves into Enterprise Zone

BAE Systems, the British multinational defence and aerospace company, has extended its 10-year relationship with logistics firm Wincanton as the supplier for its Military Air & Information (MAI) operations in Lancashire, contributing to the region’s economy with new employment opportunities.

The deal will see Wincanton take control of the new purpose-built Defence Logistics Centre (DLC) in the Samlesbury area of the Lancashire Enterprise Zone, which is due for completion next year. The move makes Wincanton the zone’s first non-BAE Systems resident and launches 70 new jobs.

Furthermore, the arrangement means Wincanton will continue to offer its services across BAE Systems’ MAI operations in the Lancashire villages of Warton and Samlesbury.

Steve Vandersteen, supply chain and procurement director for BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information, said: “We are pleased to have agreed this new partnership with Wincanton to provide logistics services across our business.

“This partnership is part of our continued drive for efficiency to ensure we are well-placed to provide the best possible value products and services to our customers.”

The full transition to the DLC facility will be managed by Wincanton.

The firm’s managing director of manufacturing, Chris Kingshott, said: “We have developed a reputation for providing excellent service levels and specialist logistics advice based on our expertise in the defence and aerospace sectors, and we look forward to delivering this for BAE Systems in this extension of our lasting relationship.”

Wincanton’s services at the BAE Systems site in Brough, Lancashire, remain unaffected by the deal, as will the services provided from the Wincanton facilities in Blackburn and Heywood, Greater Manchester.

The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership chair, Edwin Booth said: “Wincanton establishing a base at the Samlesbury site demonstrates that the Enterprise Zone is fulfilling its role as a catalyst for economic growth by supporting the entire aerospace supply chain.

“I’m confident that Wincanton’s presence will stimulate other businesses who work with the aerospace sector to consider Lancashire, with its position as the UK’s largest concentration of aerospace activity and the Enterprise Zone in particular, as a primary commercial location.”