17 November 2005

DML WINS KEY SURFACE SHIP WORK

DML is pleased to confirm that it has learnt today (Thursday 17 November 2005) that its competitive tender for the docking period of the Type 42 destroyer, HMS Manchester, has been successful. The work will commence in March 2006 and will complete in Autumn 2006 employing around 300 people. HMS Cornwall is the only surface ship refit currently being undertaken at Devonport and the company is facing a short period with no surface ship docking work.

DML's Chief Executive, Dr Dennis Gilbert, said " Winning this docking period for HMS Manchester is excellent news. It will provide vital work for our surface ship business in 2006. The surface ship market is extremely competitive and to be successful we will need to continue with the delivery of our performance improvement programme through next year."

DML is currently involved in two further competitive bids for the docking period of HMS Portland and the refit of HMS Somerset. Both contracts are due to be competed in a 'reverse auction' in December 2005.