BAE Systems’ Rochester-based Electronic Systems business is to undergo significant renovation to create a new 32,000 square metre factory.

Over 1,600 people are currently based at the facility working on various advanced aerospace technologies such as head-up displays, helmet-mounted displays, flight control computers and active control sticks for civil and military aircraft worldwide.

The site is also part of the company’s Electronic Systems global support service centre, which provides repairs to commercial airliners.

BAE Systems is investing £220m to upgrade this facility to combine manufacturing, engineering and office space in a flexible working environment.

The company expects the increased capacity provided by the upgrade will enable it to create 300 jobs over the next five years.

Work is already underway to prepare the site in Rochester, part of the Borough of Medway in Kent, for the major redevelopment, which is due to start in 2025.

Dave Banks, BAE Systems’ Rochester Business...