Willmott Dixon has recently been awarded a substantial £61m contract by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to develop a new estate for the British Army at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland. This significant project will involve the construction of a new home for the 1 Military Working Dogs regiment, featuring 15 buildings, including 11 new structures and the refurbishment or retrofit of four others. The development aims to provide high-quality facilities, such as 173 kennels, a vet centre, training facilities, squadron offices, stores, a new gym, and the repurposing of hanger B as the Regimental Headquarters and Quartermaster stores.


Impact on Plant Hire in the West Midlands
This major investment not only boosts the construction sector but also presents a considerable opportunity for plant hire companies, especially in the West Midlands. With the extensive nature of the construction work required, there will be a high demand for various types of plant machinery.
H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd: Meeting the Demand
H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd stands ready to meet this increased demand. With a fleet of over 3,500 plant machinery items available for hire nationwide across the UK, the company is well-equipped to support large-scale projects like the Kendrew Barracks development. Customers can hire a wide range of equipment from H. E. Services, including Bomag rollers, Komatsu PC210 excavators, Thwaites site dumpers, and Mecalac cabbed dumpers, among others. Operating from 11 depots across the UK, H. E. Services ensures that high-quality machinery is accessible where and when it is needed.
A Closer Look at the Kendrew Barracks Project
Nick Heath, Director at Willmott Dixon, highlighted the significance of this investment:
“This significant investment from the Army, supported by the DIO, is set to create high-quality facilities for those stationed at Kendrew Barracks. It’s always a privilege to contribute to national defence by making sure the estate meets the needs of those who access and use the facilities.”
The project, procured through the Crown Commercial Service framework, aims to achieve high environmental standards. The new build elements will target net-zero carbon in operation, incorporating modern construction methods and using the DREAM environmental assessment tool for new building and refurbishment projects on the defence estate.
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner of the Army Basing Project Kendrew, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s progress:
“I am delighted to see the Kendrew Barracks project progressing as part of our ongoing effort to rationalise the Defence estate, provide the right infrastructure for the Army and enable the delivery of the important Military Working Dogs capability.”
Why This Matters for Plant Hire
The scale and complexity of the Kendrew Barracks project necessitate a wide variety of plant machinery. This is where companies like H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd play a crucial role. Their extensive fleet and nationwide coverage ensure that construction companies have access to the equipment they need to complete such projects efficiently and effectively. For projects in the West Midlands and beyond, plant hire companies provide essential support, contributing to the success of these significant developments.
To learn more about how H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd can support your project needs, visit their website.
Willmott Dixon’s £61m deal for the new Army dog unit at Kendrew Barracks signifies a significant development for the region and underscores the vital role of plant hire in the West Midlands. As construction progresses, the demand for plant machinery will continue to grow, making companies like H. E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd indispensable to the industry.
Contact H. E. Services for Plant Hire in the West Midlands
If you are based in the West Midlands or indeed anywhere else in the UK, H. E. Services can fulfil your plant rental needs. Simply give us a call today on 0208 804 2000 or email nhc@heservices.co.uk for a quote.