MinDRI opens defence storage facility in Cumbria

Image courtesy DE&S

During his visit, the Minister received a first-hand look at how modern infrastructure supports military readiness. He toured the cutting-edge facility and met with some of the 25 new permanent colleagues involved in managing mission-critical defence equipment and supplies for those on the frontline. The event also included a plaque reveal and a tree planting ceremony to mark the opening.

The facility – as big as 12 football pitches, at 76,000m2 – represents a major investment in the UK’s defence capabilities and demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have the resources they need, when they need them.

The Longtown facility which is run by DE&S in partnership Leidos and supply chain specialists Kuehne + Nagel, known collectively as Team Leidos, incorporates the latest storage technologies and security systems, enabling more efficient management of defence assets whilst maintaining the highest standards of protection. The site will support military operations across the UK and internationally, strengthening the nation’s defence readiness.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “The opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Longtown will enhance our ability to store and deploy critical defence equipment to the frontline. It’s an excellent example of how we’re modernising our defence logistics while supporting jobs here in Cumbria – supporting our Armed Forces and boosting warfighting readiness.”

The new site will ensure assets and capabilities at existing Defence Fulfilment Centres and storage in Donnington, Shropshire and Bicester, Oxfordshire are more readily available to meet surges in demand.

Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton, CEO of DE&S, said: “The impressive Longtown Defence Storage Facility is a testament to DE&S’ dedication to providing exceptional support to our Armed Forces. This modern storage capability will significantly enhance our logistics operations. Working together as Team Leidos, we can deliver the right equipment, to the right place at the right time – and when it is not in use, store it safely, securely and sustainably. The facility represents best practice in defence storage and the whole team can take pride in this achievement.”

Improvements made through the project to the rail service attached to the Longtown site will also mean that slow-moving inventory will relieve the strain on fast-moving distribution at the other locations while helping to reduce costs, lorry journeys and emissions.

Simon Hutchings, Leidos Vice President & Programme Director LCST, said: “The opening of the Longtown Defence Storage Facility represents a pivotal enhancement to the resilience and responsiveness of the UK’s defence supply chain network. In an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical environment, the ability to disperse, store, manage, and distribute critical materiel with speed of relevance is fundamental to maintaining operational readiness. Team Leidos is proud to be operating this critical hub in the defence supply chain and expanding its utility to meet the pressing needs for storage as Defence seeks to meet the needs of the Strategic Defence Review.”

The build project, awarded by DE&S and managed by construction and civil engineering company McLaughlin & Harvey was delivered on time and employed more than 450 people from across the UK, including 150 in Scotland. 

Barry Bryce, Operations Director, McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “We are proud to have delivered the facility on time and to the highest standards, working collaboratively with DE&S and partners across our supply chain. This project showcases McLaughlin & Harvey’s expertise in constructing complex, large-scale facilities that combine innovation, sustainability and security. The Longtown site is a vital asset for UK defence and we’re proud to have played a key role in supporting the Armed Forces as well as contributing to jobs and economic growth across both Cumbria and Scotland.”

Embracing sustainability, the new facility uses green technologies and practices, including energy-efficient lighting, automated climate control and recyclable packaging solutions. There will also be a dedicated nature reserve areas and rainwater will be recycled for washroom facilities.

Those working at the site will now ensure this new facility provides a capability that is crucial in supporting our Armed Forces deployed around the world.