Rolls-Royce has awarded McLaughlin & Harvey a contract worth more than £100 million to build a new customer-funded facility at its existing Bristol site in the UK.
The project will create a dedicated space for research, manufacturing, and final assembly linked to future combat air programs. Construction is expected to begin later in 2026 following the completion of the final design phase.
Rolls-Royce Expands Combat Air Capability
The new building will bring research, testing, and manufacturing activities together under one roof. Rolls-Royce said the connected, digital-first facility will help teams develop advanced technologies faster while improving efficiency across operations. The company also expects the site to support new product development for future military aircraft over the coming decades.
Paul Pennington, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, Defence at Rolls-Royce, said the new facility reflects the company’s commitment to advanced technology and more agile ways of working.
He added that lessons from previous projects have been incorporated to create a modern workspace that supports long-term customer requirements. The investment is also designed to strengthen Rolls-Royce’s capabilities well into the future.
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Building Long-term Capability
McLaughlin & Harvey said it will use its previous experience delivering advanced manufacturing projects for Rolls-Royce during the construction. Construction Director Dougie McCusker said the company’s Midlands and South West team will apply its expertise in complex manufacturing environments to deliver the new facility. The partnership continues a long-standing relationship between the two companies.
The development will also include work to improve safety, security, and overall resilience across the Bristol site. These upgrades will help prepare the location for future manufacturing demands while supporting advanced defence programs. The investment forms part of a wider effort to modernize critical industrial infrastructure.
Supporting Defence Innovation
Future combat air programs rely on advanced engines, manufacturing techniques, and faster product development cycles. By combining research, testing, and production in one location, companies can shorten development timelines and improve collaboration between engineering teams. This approach has become increasingly important as defence projects grow more technologically complex.
Once operational, the new Bristol facility will strengthen Rolls-Royce‘s role in future combat air development while supporting the UK’s defence manufacturing base. The project is expected to enhance long-term industrial capability and prepare the company for the next generation of aerospace technologies. Its progress will be closely watched as construction moves forward in 2026.
