DML was established to run Devonport Royal Dockyard in response to the challenges facing this strategic facility during the late 1980's. DML took over the operation of Devonport in 1987 and bought the yard ten years later in 1997.
Today the DML Group offers a complete range of design, build and support solutions across both defence and commercial sectors. In addition to its traditional refit and maintenance role, DML is increasingly working at the earlier stages of major warship design and construction programmes. In the commercial arena DML undertakes high-tech engineered composite work, overhauls railway equipment and builds, converts and refits large yachts and specialist craft.
DML has extensive facilities at Devonport Royal Dockyard and Appledore Shipyard and offices in Keynsham and the Naval Base at Faslane. The DML Group also includes the consultancy companies LSC Group and Frazer-Nash which offer front-end design, analysis, safety justification, through-life support and asset management solutions.
Devonport Royal Dockyard's origins date back to 1691, when William of Orange commissioned the building of a new dockyard to support the Royal Navy in the Western Approaches. Devonport is the largest marine support complex in Western Europe. The site covers 330 acres and there are 11 operational dry docks, five outfitting basins, and 5 kilometers of deep water berths with a wide range of support workshops.
Today, DML employs about 4,800 people and has an annual turnover of about £400 million. The company is the largest private sector employer in Devon and Cornwall.