LOCATIONS
19 Mar 10. The Rt. Hon. Damian Green, MP for Ashford Kent, whose constituency includes the Universal Target Systems Ltd premises in Challock, formally opened the new headquarters on the 19th March 2010, in an event attended by over one hundred invited guests from the aerospace, security, defence industries and the local community. Due to continuous growth, the previous facilities were insufficient to facilitate the expansion of the company, hence the requirements for the new facility. Work on UTSLs Green Lane unit commenced in September 2009 and was completed on schedule on the 28th February 2010.
15 Mar 10. Harris Corporation plans to develop a new state-of-the-art manufacturing and logistics facility for the production of tactical and public safety radio systems by its RF Communications business. The plans call for the purchase of a 573,000-square-foot building in Henrietta, N.Y., from Xerox Corporation. A subsequent, total renovation will allow Harris to consolidate its manufacturing operations into a single site, improving efficiency.
15 Mar 10. Marinette Marine Corporation, a member of the Lockheed Martin-led Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) industry team, recently broke ground for an expansion to nearly double the size of its main indoor ship construction building — an investment to support the construction of the U.S. Navy’s LCS. The expansion will provide enough indoor space to simultaneously house two complete LCS hulls and parts for two additional ships. The building enhancements also allow greater use of Marinette Marine’s proven modular construction process, which will enable the Lockheed Martin team to construct LCS more cost effectively. The ground-breaking is the latest in a recent series of investments made by the shipyard’s parent company, Fincantieri, as part of its five-year, $100m plan to modernize its U.S. shipbuilding operations and support the LCS program. In 2009, Marinette Marine installed higher-capacity overhead cranes, plasma-cutting tables and pipe-bending machines to increase efficiency and capacity. In 2008, Lockheed Martin also became a minority partner in the shipyard, while continuing to share its project management and lean manufacturing techniques to meet the LCS program’s cost and schedule goals.
22 Mar 10. WFS Technologies, the world’s leading developer of through-water and through-ground wireless communication, navigation and sensing solutions announces the opening of its new corporate headquarters in Livingston, Scotland. As a result of continued growth in sales and recruitment of new staff, the company had outgrown its previous facility in the Scottish central belt. The brand new 3500 square foot premises provide additional manufacturing capacity and accommodation for the increasing headcount.
MARITIME
19 Mar 10. Bulwark starts first docking period at Devonport. The amphibious assault ship Landing Platform Dock HMS Bulwark has started her first docking period this week, for an 11 month upgrade and maintenance programme to be undertaken by Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Awarded under the Surface Ship Support Alliance (the alliance between the MoD, Babcock and BAE Systems), this upkeep contract follows a highly successful docking period by Babcock of Bulwark’s sister ship HMS Albion. The continuing close partnering between Babcock and the MoD has enabled the benefit of this valuable experience and knowledge to be maximised in developing the programme for HMS Bulwark’s docking period. Under a commercial agreement described by the MoD as having ‘exploited exemplary levels of joint working between MoD and industry, and innovative approaches in the form of early implementation of a unified budget (upkeep and fleet time)’, a comprehensive work specification, improvement in production processes, and enhancements in dock facilities have been developed. This will enable efficiency and cost-effectiveness to be maximised, and will ensure that HMS Bulwark returns