Boeing has solidified its presence in Bristol with the inauguration of a new 40,000-square-foot office, continuing its significant role in the South West region of the UK. This new facility will house Boeing’s UK-based defence operations, marking a key milestone in the company’s expansion.
At the opening ceremony held at Bristol Business Park, Jack Lopresti, the local Member of Parliament for Filton and Bradley Stoke, expressed his enthusiasm. “I am delighted to open the new headquarters of Boeing Defence UK in my constituency and see the company continue to strengthen its footprint in our area. I know from my own experience on operational deployments that equipment like Boeing’s Chinook and Apache make a life-saving difference on the battlefield,” Lopresti stated. “This growing presence means more opportunities for local employment and for those in early career roles who will go on to build the future of aerospace in our own backyard.”
Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK, emphasized the long-standing relationship between Boeing and Bristol. “Boeing’s presence in Bristol dates back more than two decades and our new, modernized facility, home to Boeing Defence UK, represents the next chapter of our history and presence in the local community where we are proud to live and work. With over 2,100 people dedicated to our defence business in the UK, and 700 of these based in Bristol, the new facility will serve as a dynamic space for collaboration and innovation with our customers, colleagues, and partners.”
In Bristol, Boeing plays a crucial role in supporting defence programmes for the British armed forces. These include the UK’s Apache and Chinook helicopters, the C-17 Globemaster, and the P-8A Poseidon. Additionally, Boeing assists with the UK’s E-7 Wedgetail programme in Birmingham, where three Boeing 737s are being modified to become the future Airborne Early Warning and Control fleet for the Royal Air Force.
Richard Murray, director of air support at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), praised the new development. “Driving UK prosperity and working closely with industry is essential to DE&S’ mission to equip and support our armed forces. Having Boeing Defence UK’s central hub so close to DE&S’ headquarters in Bristol is a welcome development and will further enhance the working relationship across the wide portfolio of Air, logistic information systems and training programmes we have.”
The facility is more than just an office space; it is a hub for research and development, engineering, and business operations. A digitally-skilled workforce supports the MOD’s logistics and engineering information systems programme. The site is also crucial for the design and delivery of both real and synthetic multi-domain training software and courses for UK defence platforms.
Moreover, Boeing’s UK team includes over 280 veterans and active reserves who work alongside their military counterparts and within the broader defence community, from Lossiemouth to Odiham. This integration of experienced personnel enhances the company’s capability to support the UK’s defence infrastructure effectively.
Boeing’s expanded presence in Bristol underscores its commitment to the region and its vital role in the UK’s defence sector. The new facility not only enhances operational capabilities but also signifies the potential for growth and innovation within the local aerospace industry.