Bridging Manufacturer Demonstrates Broad Spectrum of Expertise

Guto Bebb, Britain’s Minister for Defence Procurement, visited the manufacturing facilities of WFEL, a leading military bridging developer, on 18 June.

Touring the facilities and meeting with the engineering teams, the Minister saw at first hand the latest developments across a full range of rapidly-deployable bridging systems, including many products destined for the export market. During the tour, the Minister and his team were given a demonstration of the complete build and launch of a DSB Dry Support Bridge, which can be deployed in under 90mins by a team of only eight personnel and can support a Military Load Classification (MLC) of 120 short tons whilst spanning a 46m gap.  This bridge is currently being evaluated by the UK MoD as part of its TYRO Bridging Capability Project.

“WFEL provides world-class bridge systems that enable UK Armed Forces to be rapidly deployed across the globe and project military power in any eventuality. […] Defence suppliers are at the heart of British industry and the MoD will ensure that our home-grown companies continue to develop, thrive and export their innovative products to our international partners,” the Minister observed.

WFEL’s Managing Director, Ian Anderton, also took the opportunity to demonstrate to the Minister the broad spectrum of WFEL’s engineering expertise, including recent technology transfer projects for both UK and overseas customers, including the LEGUAN Close Support Bridge, as well as highlighting recent capital investment in the latest state-of-the-art equipment. 

WFEL is an established leader in the design, manufacture and supply of rapidly-deployable tactical military bridging, having supplied over 600 bridges to 40 armed forces around the world over the last four decades.  As a prime contractor to the US DoD and the UK MoD, WFEL’s bridging systems have been used by coalition forces on operations worldwide and in civilian aid operations in disaster zones around the world.