Rolls-Royce has awarded a construction contract valued at more than £100 million to McLaughlin & Harvey for the development of a new customer-funded research, manufacturing, and assembly facility at its existing Bristol site. The project represents a major investment in the company’s future combat air capabilities and will strengthen its long-term capacity for advanced aerospace technology development.
Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2026 following completion of the detailed design phase. The new facility will support research, prototype manufacturing, and assembly activities for next-generation air combat programmes, reinforcing the Bristol site as a key centre for defence innovation within Rolls-Royce’s global operations.
Designed as a digitally connected and technology-driven facility, the development will integrate research, testing, and manufacturing activities within a modern working environment. The project aims to improve collaboration across engineering teams, accelerate product development, and enhance manufacturing efficiency while supporting the introduction of advanced aerospace technologies.
The investment forms part of the wider redevelopment of the Bristol campus and reflects Rolls-Royce’s continued focus on strengthening its defence capabilities. The company expects the new infrastructure to provide the flexibility required to support future customer programmes while maintaining high standards of innovation and operational performance.
Paul Pennington, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, Defence at Rolls-Royce, said the contract award marks an important milestone in delivering a facility that will support future technology development and modern engineering practices. He noted that the project incorporates lessons from previous developments and has been designed to create an advanced environment capable of supporting ambitious customer programmes while strengthening the company’s capabilities for decades to come.
McLaughlin & Harvey will lead construction of the project, building on its long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce. The company has previously delivered two advanced manufacturing facilities for the aerospace and defence group and will draw on its experience in delivering complex industrial projects.
Dougie McCusker, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said the project further strengthens the company’s partnership with Rolls-Royce. He added that the firm’s Midlands and South West construction teams will apply their expertise in advanced manufacturing environments to deliver a modern facility that supports the customer’s long-term technology and production objectives.
Once completed, the Bristol facility will provide the infrastructure required to support future combat air programmes while enhancing research, development, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities. The project also includes ongoing enabling works aimed at improving site safety, operational resilience, and security, ensuring the Bristol campus remains equipped to meet future defence and aerospace requirements.
