Minister starts construction of £83m military logistics site
Defence Minister Philip Dunne has officially started construction work on the new £83M military logistics centre in Donnington, Telford.
The state of the art 80,000 square metre building will store food, clothing, general and medical supplies and bring the military’s logistics, commodities and support services up to the standard of industry best practice.
It will also deliver more efficient and effective processes across the supply chain through better storage and streamlined distribution, enhancing the level of support provided to UK Armed Forces.
The Defence Fulfilment Centre (DFC), to be run by Team Leidos, will take around one year to build and house two warehouses covering an area the same size as ten football pitches.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said: “I am very pleased to be able to mark the start of construction on the Defence Fulfilment Centre in Donnington which will help deliver the best support to our Armed Forces while ensuring value for money for the UK taxpayer, generating financial savings of around £500 million over the next 13 years.
“The Government is making a significant investment of £83 million in this state-of-the art, modern logistics centre benefiting both our Armed Forces and the local economy. This forms part of our 10 year, £160 billion Equipment Plan, as well as our commitment to meeting NATO’s defence investment pledge.
MOD Chief of Materiel, (Land), Lieutenant General Sir Chris Deverell, said: “The start of construction on the fulfilment centre highlights how we are transforming the way we support the changing military requirements of our Armed Forces and improving levels of quality and service.
“The modernisation of the way we store and distribute our military equipment will develop a supply chain that will be responsive to the needs of the military, whilst at the same time saving money for the MOD.”
Managing Director of Leidos Europe, Barbara Doornink, said: “Working together, and in partnership with the MOD, the companies that make up Team Leidos will deliver a better service for our Armed Forces and better value for the UK taxpayer.
“We are already identifying areas for investment and improvement, and the DFC represents the first major step change in what can be delivered with modern infrastructure and IT.”
Team Leidos consists of Leidos, a US company, supported by its key subcontractors Kuehne+Nagel and TVS Supply Chain Solutions.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota added: “The Minister told me that the council played a pivotal role in securing this fantastic investment. It is a great day for Telford and a huge boost both in terms of the jobs it protects and the massive potential economic benefits.
“It anchors the MoD to Telford for years to come. This was something of a dream for all of is and I am really looking forward to watching the Defence Fulfilment Centre become a reality right here in Telford and Wrekin.”
