Navantia UK completes major new Pipe Shop at Appledore shipyard
Navantia UK has marked the completion of an upgraded Pipe Shop facility at its Appledore shipyard in North Devon, representing another significant milestone in the yard’s ongoing modernisation and long-term future.
A small ceremony took place at the shipyard on Friday 15 May, to officially bring the new facility into operation. Rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, attendees ceremonially activated the new pipe manufacturing equipment installed within the shop.
Laura Correa Mendioroz, General Manager of Navantia UK Appledore, addressed the workforce, alongside speeches from Jeff King (Operations Manager) and Chris Found (Pipe & Mechanical Manager).
The yard also welcomed Tom Pyke, who returned to Appledore for the first time since his retirement in 2003. As the designer of the original blueprint and model for the Pipe Shop development, Tom delivered a speech, sharing his thanks. In recognition of his contribution, the Pipe Shop has been officially named in his honour.
The Pipe Shop has been developed as part of wider investment in modern manufacturing capability at Appledore, supporting the yard’s ability to undertake complex fabrication and shipbuilding work in the years ahead.
The facility includes the installation of the eMOB 225, AMOB’s flagship fully electric tube bending machine and one of the most advanced systems of its kind currently operating in the shipbuilding sector.
Capable of bending carbon steel, stainless steel and Cunife pipes up to 219mm in diameter, the machine enables highly precise and repeatable pipe manufacturing for demanding industrial and naval applications. The technology combines high levels of automation and energy efficiency with advanced capabilities including fixed radius, variable radius and compound bending.
To further support defence projects, which are currently the yard’s core workstream, 3D bending formers have been acquired to cover the full range of required pipe sizes. This capability is enhanced by the addition of extrusion and flaring machines, along with orbital TIG welders, increasing overall production throughput.
The investment will help modernise pipe production at Appledore, supporting faster and more efficient manufacturing while maintaining high quality standards.
Laura Correa Mendioroz, General Manager of Navantia UK Appledore, said:
“This is another important moment in Appledore’s transformation and in rebuilding advanced manufacturing capability here in North Devon. The completion of the Pipe Shop gives our workforce access to cutting-edge technology and represents a major investment in the future capability of the yard. It reflects the long-term commitment being made to Appledore, to our people, and to ensuring the shipyard remains a centre of skilled industrial expertise for years to come.”
The completion of the Pipe Shop comes during a significant period of activity for the yard. In December, Appledore first cut steel for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The North Devon shipyard will construct the bow sections of the ships, comprising three individual blocks.
Navantia UK currently employs around 200 people at Appledore, with a further 20 apprentices set to join in September through a partnership with Petroc College.
The facility will serve as a centre of excellence for pipe manufacture across all Navantia UK programmes, including Fleet Solid Support.
