Ringwood-based construction company Knights Brown has commenced work on a £30 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Farlington, Portsmouth.

The contract, awarded by Harwin, a global leader in high-reliability connectors for the aerospace and advanced electronics sectors, aims to meet growing demand in the industry.

At 7,500m², the facility will be one of the UK's first multi-story manufacturing plants, designed to reduce land usage and minimise its environmental impact. The building will span four floors and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

The facility will incorporate 388 high-efficiency solar panels, expected to generate 244,000 kWh annually, which would reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 32 tonnes.

In addition to its energy-saving initiatives, the facility will promote sustainable commuting. It will feature a higher-than-average bike-to-car parking ratio, with 38 spaces allocated for bikes, 57 for cars (with EV charging points), and 12 for motorbikes. Public and active transport options will be prioritised, further reducing the building’s environmental footprint.

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Knights Brown is also committed to delivering a robust social value plan, with initiatives aimed at supporting local economic growth and communities. These include working with local secondary schools, recruiting apprentices, engaging in community volunteering, and participating inScience, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) events.

In addition to this project, Knights Brown is already contributing to the local economy through its work on the final phase of the North Portsea Coastal Defence Scheme. The company also completed the multi-million-pound extension of Portsmouth International Port’s passenger terminal in 2024, enhancing Portsmouth’s position as a key cruise destination. This followed a major contract to extend and lower Portsmouth's cruise berth, completed in 2021.

Knights Brown's Divisional Building Operations Manager James Ashley, said: "We are delighted to be carrying out the design and construction of this iconic building. The facility will feature the highest quality materials and a market-leading design, enabling Harwin to maximise their production capability and meet future market needs.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver this important project."