The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has appointed Mace as Manufacturing Programme Partner for a major infrastructure development programme
Mace has been appointed in partnership with BakerHicks and DBD International.
The purpose of this complex, long term programme is to develop a new component manufacturing capability to support the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
As manufacturing programme partner, Mace, BakerHicks and DBD will work in partnership with AWE over the next decade to support the delivery of new manufacturing facilities.
Mace will be working with AWE to challenge convention and incorporate modern methods of construction and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approaches into the programme.
The partnering with BakerHicks and DBD brings key, specialist skills and experience in support of operations on a nuclear licensed site.
The programme will see the delivery of concept designs (Royal Institute of British Architects – RIBA2) and supporting evidence, which will be used to down select to a preferred option.
Mace will be critical in supporting the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in making the necessary case to the Investment Approval Committee, with engagement expected to start formally in October 2021.
If the case is successful in gaining approval, the spatial, technical design and construction phases of the programme will also be subject to the MOD’s approval process.
The programme is a complex construction delivery process that will require the entire project team to operate at the highest levels of safety, security and quality.
A key role in development and delivery
Jason Millett, Mace’s CEO for consultancy, said: “This programme is one of the most ambitious and challenging defence infrastructure programmes being delivered in Europe.
“It will require the delivery of cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, working in one of the most complex live environments anywhere in our industry.
“We are very proud that AWE has placed its trust in Mace to play such a key role in the development and delivery of the programme over the next ten years.
“Over the last five years, our defence business has grown from strength to strength – and that’s down to our fantastic teams and the remarkable work they deliver on behalf of our partners and clients.”
Roger Dickinson, executive director from AWE, added: “We are delighted that Mace has been successful in its bid to become part of the AWE delivery organisation.
“We will work with Mace to make this an extremely strong development and delivery partnership, focussing on driving value for money for our customer whilst delivering a safe and secure, high quality product to our range of production facilities.
“This partnership will bring together specialised skills from Mace to work alongside AWE’s best people.”
