BAE Systems has announced a massive upgrade to its facility in Rochester, creating 300 new jobs.
The £220 million investment will see the creation of a state-of-the-art manufacturing hub that spans over 32,000 square meters.
BAE says the move is commitment to sustaining and advancing aerospace innovation in the region.
Key Highlights:
The upgraded site will integrate manufacturing, engineering, and office spaces, providing a modern and flexible workspace. Enhancements will include utilities, car parking, and office refurbishments.
Dave Banks, Director of BAE Systems’ Rochester Business Centre, said:
“This significant investment will help us attract additional highly skilled jobs to the Medway area – ensuring that we can deliver for our customers who depend on our products to complete their missions.”
Supporting National Security and Commercial Aviation
Rochester’s workforce of 1,600 specializes in cutting-edge aerospace technology, developing products crucial for both national security and commercial aviation.
Technologies like head-up displays, helmet-mounted displays, flight control computers, and active control sticks for aircraft worldwide are engineered here.
The facility also operates as a key part of BAE’s global support service network, performing essential repairs for commercial airliners year-round.
The Legacy of Innovation in Rochester
With a history spanning over a century in aviation technology, Rochester has long been at the forefront of aerospace advancements. The redevelopment is set to start in 2025, with preparations already underway.
Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, praised the move as a significant boost to the region’s economic landscape: He said:
“As our largest private sector employer, this is a strong vote of confidence in Medway being a great place for businesses to invest and grow.”
Part of a Broader UK Investment Strategy
The Rochester project is just one piece of BAE’s extensive investment in its UK operations.
The company is currently undertaking a £300 million upgrade of its shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow and investing over £200 million in its munitions business to meet rising demand.
This ongoing investment supports BAE’s objectives of fostering national supply chains, advancing research and development, and enriching local communities across the UK.
Future-Ready Technology and Economic Growth
At its core, BAE Systems’ mission is to deliver advanced defence technology that protects people, national security, and critical infrastructure.
The Rochester investment aligns with this mission by bolstering local employment and enhancing BAE’s capacity to innovate across air, land, maritime, space, and cyber domains.
