Leonardo opens new £30 million logistics hub

The new hub is replacing eight ageing buildings with a new state-of-the-art integrated facility. Leonardo partnered with Kuehne+Nagel, drawing on the company’s expertise in green technology for the facility. The high-tech facility’s green design extends into the building itself, with over 25,000 cubic meters of demolition material re-utilized in its construction.

Murray Gascoyne, National Contract Logistics Director at Kuehne+Nagel commented: “Following four years of partnership with Leonardo Helicopters UK, we’re delighted that the single-site fulfilment center has been officially opened. Our shared strategic vision has come to fruition. This has been founded on, and is testament to, our unwavering commitment to sustainability, the development of people skills and the power of collaboration. We are very proud to be part of the Yeovil community.”

The new facility is equipped with LED lighting throughout, a bank of electric vehicle charging points and a new fleet of electric commercial vehicles that will distribute components from the hub to the company’s manufacturing facilities. There is also a heat recovery system in the main warehouse to complement the temperature control system in the building’s modern office facilities.

Leonardo has a long heritage of supporting search and rescue and other special mission in the UK. The manufacturer currently supplies Bristow Helicopters with AW139s for its UKSAR2G contract to deliver vertical lift services, awarded in 2022 to Bristow for 10 years with HM Coastguard.

Adam Clarke, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, reflected: “This strategically located facility will be able to draw on the region’s robust supply chain and skilled workforce and, by incorporating the latest digital and automation technologies, will enable us to offer an even better maintenance service for our UK and international customers.”

Leonardo’s Japanese distributor recently received orders for three AW139s from air medical provider LifeFlight Australia.