Pochin’s hands £10.8m Lancashire logistics hub over to defence giant BAE Systems

North West property and construction firm Pochin’s Ltd has completed work on a multi-million pound Defence Logistics Centre in Samlesbury, Lancashire.

The £10.8m facility spans 165,000 sq ft and was delivered for defence giant BAE Systems, which already operates an advanced engineering and manufacturing facility next to the new site.

The centre will be used by a 150-strong team from logistics firm Wincanton plc, which provides logistics services for BAE.

Middlewich-headquartered Pochin’s secured the contract over a year ago to create one of the first developments within the new Lancashire Enterprise Zone.

Wincanton’s managing director for industrial and transport, Chris Fenton, said: “Managing the logistical demands of BAE’s Military Air & Information business requires a world class team operating in world class facilities.

“The opening of the new Defence Logistics Centre marks the start of an important chapter in our long-standing partnership with BAE Systems, as we continue to deliver services essential to global defence and military aviation.”

He added: “Recognising the importance of the project, Pochin’s embraced those significant demands from planning right through to delivery, and our decision to partner with them has been fully rewarded.”

Samlesbury Aerodrome has sat at the heart of the UK’s military aviation industry since the 1940s. Today, the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership is working to turn the site into a centre of excellence for advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Pochin’s CEO Jim Nicholson commented: “RAF stations were among Pochin’s first ever construction projects in the North West, and it is testament to the quality of our work that we continue to collaborate with the aviation industry some eight decades later.

“Whether our clients are manufacturing military aircraft or creating quality city centre homes, we’re extremely proud to be able to contribute to their success, which is in turn helping to drive the Northern Powerhouse.”

Manchester-based AEW Architects designed the Defence Logistics Centre.

Steve Burne, the company’s managing director, said: “We have worked with Pochin’s for over 25 years, which has forged a strong relationship and a shared vision for quality.

“This relationship has been vital to deliver the client’s aspirations on their first purely logistical project for this site. It has been a success from start to finish.”