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12 January 2026
Roke has officially opened a new GBP £5 million logistics and production facility at its Romsey headquarters, uniting design, testing, and manufacturing functions within a single state-of-the-art building. 
The facility, named the Walker Building in honor of General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, was inaugurated by the military leader himself.
The new hub is designed to streamline operations from early-stage innovation through to quality control and shipping, marking a significant shift in how Roke manages its production and dispatch for defence and national security clients. The company describes the building as an end-to-end facility, enabling teams to transition seamlessly from design and testing to production within the same space. This integrated approach aims to improve efficiency, enhance quality assurance, and accelerate delivery timelines, including international shipments tailored to customer needs.
Supporting a long-term expansion strategy, the Walker Building is capable of accommodating future growth with potential for a 50% increase in capacity over the next decade. The additional space is expected to handle higher volumes of parts and facilitate faster order processing, ultimately strengthening Roke’s ability to meet increasing demand in the defence sector.
The opening of this facility coincides with the UK Government’s review of industrial readiness and defence procurement, emphasizing speed and resilience in national security efforts. Roke positioned the investment as part of a strategic effort to bolster UK sovereignty by reducing dependence on overseas suppliers. As a company focused on defence and security, Roke believes this development enhances the nation’s strategic autonomy, from concept development through to deployment.
Marc Overton, Roke’s Managing Director, expressed pride in the milestone. He highlighted the facility as a “force multiplier,” asserting that integrating all development stages under one roof allows for faster delivery at a wartime pace, ensuring the UK armed forces and borders remain secure. Overton emphasized that the hub strengthens Britain’s sovereign defence capabilities and demonstrates industry’s commitment to speed, resilience, and innovation—values that have defined Roke since its founding in 1946. As the company approaches its 70th anniversary, Overton affirmed its ongoing dedication to protecting UK troops and allies.
Following the opening ceremony, General Sir Roly Walker toured the facility, viewing defence technologies under development. He praised the new hub as a testament to UK industry’s commitment to supporting national growth through transformation and innovation.
Roke’s portfolio spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, autonomous systems, secure communications, and sensor technologies. As part of the Chemring Group, Roke benefits from a broader network of expertise and international market access. The new facility will serve as the central hub for logistics and production, supporting Roke’s expansion plans and increasing throughput for UK and allied customers, reinforcing its role as a key player in Britain’s defence industry.
