A multi-million pound government contract won by an East Yorkshire firm to provide Covid-19 testing stations to sites across the Ƶ has been doubled.
Premier Modular will now deliver 50 facilities for the Department for Health and Social Care as capacity is ramped up.
The past three months have seen the Brandesburton off-site construction specialist invest £7 million in its hire fleet as it meets demand, with a night shift added to meet “unprecedented lead times”.
David Harris, managing director, said “The work our teams have carried out across the country and round the clock has been phenomenal and has been very well received in those communities. Our colleagues continue to pull out all the stops in the factory and on site to set up the testing sites in just two to three days which really is an outstanding achievement given the bespoke nature of the buildings and the complexity of the site requirements.
“We are delighted this work has been recognised with the doubling of our contract to 50 sites.”
Since the first project was delivered in Bolton, with the contract issued in September, Premier has now set up standalone community testing sites in towns and cities across the country, including Inverness, Leamington Spa, Dudley, Nottingham, Aylesbury, Buxton and Liverpool. The next batch of sites will be in Leeds, Redcar, Durham and Oadby in Leicestershire.
“Our teams remain totally committed to playing their part in the national effort to support the government in rapidly increasing Covid19 testing capabilities, Mr Harris said. “This is a vital initiative to help safeguard public health. This contract also demonstrates just how responsive modular construction can be when combined with strong project management and logistical operations to help the NHS respond to urgent local needs.”
The stations have been procured through the Crown Commercial Service.
Premier manufactures the 110 sq m test buildings to order, with each pre-fitted with eight patient cubicles, hygienic walls, separate staff entrance and exit, test collection and drop off zones, and a family testing room.
The contract also includes the supply of welfare facilities in three buildings to accommodate a PPE room, stores, test preparation, staff rest room, kitchenette and toilets, as well as essential services – water supply, effluent collection and electricity generators.
It comes just weeks after the company secured an £11 million finance package with Barclays to fund growth, with Mr Harris determined to make Premier a £100 million turnover operation in the next three years.
Recent recruitment drives have seen it close in on 300 employees, as a shining light in the modular construction sector which is clustered in East Yorkshire, from caravans to significant commercial builds.
