Wincanton new vehicle

Wincanton has been awarded a new contract with defence manufacturer BAE Systems, to provide full logistics and warehousing services in support of its UK shipbuilding operations.

This includes its programme to deliver three new River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Royal Navy.

The long-term agreement, which starts with the outsourcing of all logistics and warehousing at BAE Systems’ sites in Glasgow, will see Wincanton operating a central warehousing facility, inbound scheduling and collections and provision of modular re-useable crates.

These activities will also be supported by Wincanton’s nearby facility in Motherwell, currently supporting the build of the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers.

Eric Born, Wincanton’s chief executive, said: “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.”

Charlie Blakemore, transformation director at BAE Systems' Naval Ships business, 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."