Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (MinDRI) Luke Pollard MP has officially opened the new DE&S Longtown Defence Storage Facility (LDSF) in Cumbria, marking a significant milestone in modernising and streamlining the UK’s defence logistics infrastructure.
During his visit, the Minister received a first-hand look at how modern infrastructure supports military readiness. He toured the cutting-edge facility and met with some of the 25 new permanent colleagues involved in managing mission-critical defence equipment and supplies for those on the frontline. The event also included a plaque reveal and a tree planting ceremony to mark the opening.
The build project, awarded by DE&S and managed by construction and civil engineering company McLaughlin & Harvey was delivered on time and employed more than 450 people from across the UK, including 150 in Scotland. The facility – as big as 12 football pitches, at 76,000m2 – represents a major investment in the UK’s defence capabilities and demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have the resources they need, when they need them.
The Longtown facility which is run by DE&S in partnership Leidos and supply chain specialists Kuehne + Nagel, known collectively as Team Leidos, incorporates the latest storage technologies and security systems, enabling more efficient management of defence assets whilst maintaining the highest standards of protection. The site will support military operations across the UK and internationally, strengthening the nation’s defence readiness.
The opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Longtown will enhance our ability to store and deploy critical defence equipment to the frontline. It’s an excellent example of how we’re modernising our defence logistics while supporting jobs here in Cumbria – supporting our Armed Forces and boosting warfighting readiness.
Luke Pollard MP
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
The new site will ensure assets and capabilities at existing Defence Fulfilment Centres and storage in Donnington, Shropshire and Bicester, Oxfordshire are more readily available to meet surges in demand.
We are proud to have delivered the facility on time and to the highest standards, working collaboratively with DE&S and partners across our supply chain. This project showcases McLaughlin & Harvey’s expertise in constructing complex, large-scale facilities that combine innovation, sustainability and security. The Longtown site is a vital asset for UK defence and we’re proud to have played a key role in supporting the Armed Forces as well as contributing to jobs and economic growth across both Cumbria and Scotland.
Barry Bryce, Operations Director
McLaughlin & Harvey
Embracing sustainability, the new facility uses green technologies and practices, including energy-efficient lighting, automated climate control and recyclable packaging solutions. There will also be a dedicated nature reserve areas and rainwater will be recycled for washroom facilities.
Those working at the site will now ensure this new facility provides a capability that is crucial in supporting our Armed Forces deployed around the world.