Barum & Dewar is proud to announce a number of further contract awards under the NSoIT(D) programme for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), continuing a successful partnership that began in 2020. These latest awards reaffirm Barum & Dewar’s position as a trusted provider of bespoke protective packaging solutions for the MoD.

The latest scope of works will involve the design and manufacture of military-accredited cases and racks, tailored to meet the specific needs of the MoD. These solutions will ensure secure and efficient containerisation of critical equipment, supporting the NSoIT(D) programme’s mission to enhance operational capability through advanced deployable infrastructure.

Since 2020, Barum & Dewar has worked closely with MoD project teams, developing a deep understanding of user requirements and the most effective methods of protection and containerisation. This collaboration has enabled us to consistently deliver market-leading solutions that meet the unique challenges of military operations while adhering to demanding timelines.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Ministry of Defence under the NSoIT(D) programme. These further contract awards reflect the trust the MoD places in our ability to deliver high-quality, bespoke solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the defence sector. We look forward to continuing our work together and supporting the MoD’s critical operations.” David Frame, Managing Director, Barum & Dewar.

Barum & Dewar is proud to announce a repeat contract win with Chess Dynamics, further strengthening our partnership and building upon past project success. The latest project involves the production of a series of bespoke cases and racks, many featuring custom foam inserts, designed to meet the precise specifications of Chess Dynamics and delivered within a tight lead time.

This made-to-order project draws on the in-house support and expertise of our Group manufacturing resources. Meticulous planning and scheduling will be key to ensuring that all components arrive at the correct locations on time, requiring a collaborative effort between our trusted suppliers and team to meet the client's specific requirements.

The project will present challenges in terms of lead time and price sensitivity, but with plans to work closely with our teams, we will provide a solution that meets the client’s demands while maintaining a highly competitive price point.

Barum & Dewar is delighted to have been entrusted once again by Chess Dynamics to deliver on this important project, demonstrating our commitment to meeting our clients’ needs across price, specification, and delivery schedules.

Mark Speck, Barum & Dewar, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our positive relationship with Chess Dynamics. This project will showcase our ability to work collaboratively and efficiently, delivering tailored solutions that meet the highest standards. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Chess Dynamics with the successful delivery of this project.”

Barum & Dewar is delighted to announce a new contract with Airbus Defence and Space, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the space sector. The project involves the design and manufacture of three bespoke stainless-steel fabricated WIP (work-in-progress) storage trolleys, specifically for heat pipes used in Airbus’s space and satellite programmes.

This collaboration builds on Barum & Dewar’s previous work with Airbus at their Stevenage site, where a similar requirement was successfully met several years ago. Airbus’s confidence in Barum & Dewar’s innovative and practical design capabilities has once again resulted in this contract award.

The trolleys, destined for use within the clean rooms of Airbus’s Portsmouth site, will address a key challenge: limited workspace. Barum & Dewar’s compact and efficient design will ensure safe, secure, and effective storage while minimising the footprint required. The trolleys will be fully manoeuvrable, enabling ease of use throughout various stages of the assembly process.

Constructed from stainless steel tubing, the trolleys will be designed to minimise areas where dust, debris, or airborne contaminants could settle—an essential feature in clean room environments. This ensures that Airbus’s sensitive equipment remains protected throughout handling and storage.

Barum & Dewar is proud to have been selected for this critical project and looks forward to delivering the first of the units early in the New Year. Mark Speck, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, contributing to their cutting-edge space and satellite programmes. This contract win is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative, high-quality solutions for the space sector.”

Image credit: Airbus

Barum & Dewar continues to support the re-use of satellite containers, recently completing the refurbishment of two fully fabricated aluminium units for longstanding client Airbus.

Originally built for Airbus more than a decade ago, the two containers have been fully refurbished and tested, ensuring they are ready for future operations. This approach reflects Barum & Dewar’s ongoing commitment to re-use and re-purpose wherever possible, extending the life of specialist containers.

As part of the refurbishment process, the containers were collected from Airbus, carefully surveyed, and a detailed scope of works agreed upon. The wire shock mounts were removed, inspected, and tested, while the interface plates and all catches, brackets, and fittings were also checked, repaired, or replaced where necessary. Once the work was completed, the containers were tested and returned, ready for their next mission.

This approach offered Airbus a quicker turnaround compared to new builds, as well as clear commercial benefits, while aligning with the environmental policies of both companies.

At Barum & Dewar, we are always striving to innovate and develop sustainable packaging solutions for our clients. We understand the growing importance of providing packaging solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly. This commitment to sustainability is key to our design and specification process, and it’s reflected in our approach to container repurposing.

As part of our dedication to sustainability, container repurposing allows our clients to take a previously used container and collaborate closely with our expert design team to refit, refurbish, or upgrade it to meet new protection requirements. By extending the life of these containers, we provide a cost-effective solution with shorter lead times, helping our clients save both time and money while reducing waste.

Our team frequently receives projects where containers that have served their initial purpose are returned to us for reconfiguration. These containers are then adapted to support new client programs. When a project comes in, our design team carefully reviews the new brief and proposes the necessary changes to fit the new project’s needs. This might involve fitting the container with new protective foam, upgrading the shock mounts to accommodate a different payload, or making other adjustments as required.

No matter the size of the project or the sector in which it will be deployed, Barum & Dewar is adept at repurposing containers to add additional value for our clients. We believe that every container has potential beyond its original use, and through our repurposing services, we help our clients unlock that potential, ensuring their packaging solutions are both sustainable and perfectly tailored to their evolving needs.