The award moves the project from final design towards construction, with work scheduled to break ground later in 2026. Rolls-Royce said the facility will add key capability at Bristol as the site is redeveloped for future combat air technology work.
“We are very pleased to be announcing the contract award to McLaughlin & Harvey. This complex facility is a physical manifestation of our commitment to novel technology and agile ways of working,” said Paul Pennington, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, Defence, Rolls-Royce.
“By embedding our previous learnings, we are creating a space for state-of-the-art technology development, to ensure we meet our ambitious customer commitments while future-proofing our capabilities for decades to come.” Rolls-Royce said the facility will be connected and digital-first, supporting closer links between research, testing and manufacturing.
The company said the investment is intended to improve pace and efficiency across those activities. It will also provide infrastructure for high-tech development and more agile ways of working over the long term.
McLaughlin & Harvey has an existing relationship with Rolls-Royce and has completed two advanced manufacturing projects for the company. The contractor’s Midlands and South West team will support delivery of the Bristol facility.
“We have a longstanding partnership with Rolls-Royce and have completed two advanced manufacturing projects for them. Our Midlands and South West team will draw on this past experience and broader expertise in complex manufacturing environments to support the client in building a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facility in Bristol,” said Dougie McCusker, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey.
Once operational, the facility is expected to strengthen Rolls-Royce’s Bristol capability for future combat air requirements. The development is supported by enabling work across the site focused on safety, security and resilience.
