Wincanton plc, a leading provider of supply chain solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announces that it has won a new contract with BAE Systems to supply its Military Air & Information (MAI) operations.

The contract will begin immediately, building on the existing services provided by Wincanton, with around 150 personnel dedicated to BAE MAI and will see Wincanton extend its ten year relationship with the defence company.

The new range of activities will include goods management and inspection, storage and packing, and transportation services in BAE Systems MAI Samlesbury and Warton sites. This is in addition to the continuing operations at the MAI Brough site which are unaffected, and the existing services delivered from Wincanton’s Blackburn and Heywood facilities.

Wincanton will also become the operator of a new purpose built Defence Logistics Centre, due to be completed in 2016, which will see Wincanton become the first non BAE Systems business operating in the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone. The move will consolidate operations, bringing cost savings for BAE Systems and will see Wincanton generate 70 new jobs for the local area.

Adrian Colman, chief executive designate of Wincanton commented: “We are proud of our long standing and successful relationship with BAE Systems. We are dedicated to building on the excellent service that we have become known for as our two companies enter this exciting new phase.”

Steve Vandersteen, director of procurement and supply chain at BAE Systems MAI, commented: “We are pleased to have agreed this new contract with Wincanton to provide logistics services across our business. This partnership is part of our continued drive for efficiency to ensure we are well placed to provide the best possible value products and services to our customers.”