With spending on UK defence set to increase to reflect the government’s focus on security in the face of mounting global threats, the construction industry is likely to see substantial investments.
The recently published Strategic Defence Review 2025 – Making Britain Safer warned the country faced a ‘new era of threat’ as it promised to step up spending on key areas to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. That includes investing in AI and robotics, machine learning and data science.
The measures could result in increased demand for industrial and office spaces to provide extra facilities for manufacturing and research and development, along with premises needed to support supply chains and logistics.
This could boost the need for specialist manufacturing facilities requiring the highest quality and safety levels.
As a leading construction company that works with several major names, Clegg Food Projects has more than 40 years of expertise in a range of fields – including the defence sector.
Transferrable skills:
We have the specialist skills and knowledge to understand the challenges of creating facilities that manufacture advanced technologies.
Renowned for our heritage in the food and drink industry, we have significantly expanded our core sectors and expertise thanks to our impressive transferrable skills in understanding complex processes and working in ‘live’ environments.
The latter is a key consideration for many of our customers, who need to stay operational while works are in progress and once completed, especially in sectors such as aerospace and defence.
Whether it involves a new 20,000 sq ft premises, a rapidly-fitted extension or an upgrade to current facilities, we ensure each building is efficient, effective, clean, well-ventilated and safe.
Security awareness:
We have worked on several defence sector projects, which require high levels of security awareness and clearance.
One of our defence projects involved enclosing a specialist site to keep it protected from prying eyes – or even drones flying overhead.
Everyone in the team working on the site needed security clearance as a prerequisite – and we also had to vet our supply chain. We always ensure that everyone we recruit goes through the proper checks as standard.
Our experience:
We were appointed as the principal contractor for the relocation of a major supplier of aerospace and defence sector products which needed modifications at its new 440,000 sq ft ‘supersite’.
Meggitt Aerospace (now the Parker group) moved to a new base in Antsy Park, Coventry, to create a hub for next-generation aerospace innovation and R&D, as well as a catalyst for world-class operational performance.
Our work involved the fit-out of a new manufacturing facility, completed in two phases, including modifying an existing building to receive processes and systems to be transferred over from its previous location.
Creating manufacturing cells:
Our work with Meggitt involved transferring dozens of different manufacturing ‘cells’ into a sequence specified by customer production plans.
We are highly experienced in managing and installing complex building services requirements to provide supplies and suitable working conditions for each manufacturing cell.
Such cells, made up of workstations or different machines, can be quickly reconfigured to meet new product demands or to adapt the production process, bringing operations closer together and improving efficiencies.
We can add services such as air extraction, water supply or a power boost, to the likes of laser cutting machines, paint shops, moulding processes, assembly and production lines or computer numerical control (CNC) machines used for tasks such as milling and drilling.
Increased need for manufacturing facilities in the defence sector:
The government hopes to fire up the UK’s defence industry to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs while bolstering national security and protecting borders.
Defence manufacturing infrastructure that we can create for clients includes advanced research and development centres, missile and aerospace production facilities, cyber technology hubs and engineering plants.
Many of the same processes and touchpoints we have developed in creating sector-leading food and drink facilities are easily transferrable to other industries such as defence and beyond.
Our skills:
We support manufacturers with the design, refurbishment and construction of specialist facilities that incorporate multiple laboratories, offices and amenities, such as accommodating the changing needs of on-site electric vehicles.
As food and drink construction experts, we understand the principles of hygienic design and efficient layouts and the importance of integrating automation processes. We’re also experienced at hitting rapid deadlines as companies continue to evolve their offering.
In a previous project, we were appointed as principal contractor in the design and build of a state-of-the-art robotic manufacturing facility for medical surgery. The building, for CMR Surgical (CMR) in Cambridge, included clean rooms, assembly areas, advanced engineering, modern office space, a warehouse and despatch areas.
How we collaborate:
Whether it is a new build, extension, expansion, refurbishment or relocation, our team starts each project by gaining a thorough understanding of the client’s needs. Each detail needs to be carefully considered to create an integrated design in what can often be a fast-changing environment.
We provide bespoke solutions depending on a building’s needs, such as anti-static and clean rooms, efficient layouts and advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Our team ensures the facility is sustainable, effective, energy efficient and people and product safe, incorporating cutting-edge technology and processes into any project.
Talk to our experts today
Clegg Food Projects – part of the Clegg Group – has more than 40 years’ experience in the food and drink sector. We work from our Nottingham headquarters with national and international household brands to design and build top quality manufacturing facilities.
Our track record speaks for itself – our talented team would be delighted to discuss your project needs and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Email us at foodprojects@clegggroup.co.uk or call us on 0115 841 3121.