MCLAUGHLIN & Harvey has completed the build of a key facility at RAF Lossiemouth which will be used to maintain Scotland’s E-7 Wedgetail fleet.
Described as the ‘world’s most advanced, capable, and reliable’ airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, the E-7 Wedgetail fleet will provide intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance for the RAF.
The build, subcontracted by Boeing, involved more than 175 people employed onsite at the project’s peak, as well as a mix of graduate and trainee opportunities in specialist trades.
Five Scottish businesses were also provided with work on the project, including Moray steel contractor, Simmers Contracts. The family business, which is situated just 25 miles from the site, provided 556 tonnes of steel and 7,000 square metres of cladding to support the project.
The facility was officially opened in a ceremony at RAF Lossiemouth on September 19 by RAF programme lead, air commodore Alex Hicks, in the presence of Boeing Defence UK fixed-wing director Ashley Parkes, McLaughlin & Harvey’s MD Paul Griffen, and Laura McNally of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the UK MoD’s procurement agency.
Paul Griffen, McLaughlin & Harvey MD, said, “We’re delighted to handover this new structure at RAF Lossiemouth. The construction works for the Wedgetail Facility are a testament to the defence capabilities of McLaughlin & Harvey. The site team have worked hard with a local supply chain to help provide a building that can be used for years to come in the UK’s defence efforts.”
Air commodore Alex Hicks, head of capability delivery at ISR, commented, “It is a real privilege to open the Combined Line Engineering facility for the joint use of Poseidon and Wedgetail engineering teams. Collocating the teams will bring significant advantage to Defence as they operate, train and learn from each other to drive synergies into the maintenance of the two capabilities. Thank you to all of the stakeholders that have worked hard to deliver such an excellent capability to the Front Line, your efforts will provide benefit for years to come.
Ashley Parkes, fixed wing director of Boeing Defence UK, added, “We have a proud history delivering large-scale infrastructure projects in Scotland in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and our local supply chain. With a blended team of more than 175 people employed during the project’s peak, the RAF’s E-7 facility has been expertly delivered by our main construction partner, McLaughlin & Harvey. This facility is a critical step forward in ensuring the successful service introduction of the UK’s future E-7 fleet.”
