A precision engineering firm in Somerset is set to expand its workforce after securing a major contract at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
Berry and Escott Engineering, which provides design, machinery, fabrication, welding and pipework services, has been appointed as a ‘tier one’ contractor at HPC, which is one of Europe’s largest construction projects.
The company, which is also based locally to the plant at the Blake Mill Business Par in Bridgwater, will design training equipment as the power station prepares to become operational.
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Among this will be a ‘flow loop simulator’, which is is a replica of systems found across the site, including tanks, pipework, and pumps, which will allow trainees to gain experience in operating key components in real life scenarios.
Off the back of the agreement, Berry and Escott said it was planning to recruit 20 additional workers and apprentices from the local area, bringing its total headcount to 75. It added that staff would also be able to take part in some of the 30,000 new training courses being made available at HPC.
Bosses said the achievement could pave the way for the company to secure further contracts on other major infrastructure projects, including at the proposed Sizewell C nuclear plant, which HPC’s developer French energy giant EDF is looking to build in Suffolk.
Chris Escott, a director at Berry and Escott added: “We are tremendously proud of being a leading supplier of training simulators to the nuclear industry, it’s great to know that future nuclear engineers will be using equipment we design as part of their training at Hinkley Point C and furthers our close supplier relationship with EDF.”
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Chris Quinn, supply chain director at Hinkley Point C said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Berry and Escott as a tier one contractor. It is a testament to the company’s hard work, dedication, and innovation. Bridgwater is booming and it is local companies like Berry and Escott that will carry forward Hinkley Point C’s positive economic legacy for many years to come.”
A recent industry report found that a supply chain programme supporting the construction of HPC had helped South West firms to secure £180m worth of contracts and create more than 1,000 jobs.
EDF told investors in February that the plant could now cost more than £30bn to complete due to inflation, amid rising prices for building materials and labour.
Full construction of Hinkley Point C began in 2016. It was originally estimated the project would cost £18bn to build.