The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has appointed Mace, in partnership with BakerHicks and DBD International, as Manufacturing Programme Partner for a major infrastructure development programme.
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.
The initial phase of the programme will see the delivery of RIBA 2 concept designs and supporting evidence, which will be used to select a preferred option. This will be supported with wider specialist programme partners, who will develop the RIBA 2 design. The partnership will support 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. The partnership of Mace, BakerHicks and DBD will be working closely with AWE to challenge convention and incorporate modern methods of construction and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approaches into the programme.
The partnership between Mace, BakerHicks and DBD partnership brings key, specialist skills and experience in support of operations on a nuclear licensed site.
Roger Dickinson, executive director from AWE, said:
Gavin Burt, director for Defence at BakerHicks, added:
