South Wales firm on track to take advantage of HS2
PORT Talbot-based firm Wernick Buildings has completed its first accommodation instalment supporting the construction of rail’s high speed two (HS2) project.
The family-run business transported and installed office and accommodation to a site just outside London where HS2 will be launching its first tunnel-boring machines.
The contract was awarded by HS2’s main works civils contractor Align JV, which is a joint venture formed by Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and Volker-Fitzpatrick.
Wernick’s managing director, Ben Wernick, said: “HS2 is giving us a pipeline of work which is allowing us to invest in our infrastructure here in Port Talbot, enabling us to improve, increase production and employ more local people.
“With 90% of our supply chain being within a 50-mile radius of our factory, this work is also having a real positive impact on the local community.”
The business employs 170.
The high speed rail project, which has an £80bn price tag, is being extended from London to Birmingham and will then reach cities in the North of England.
HS2 Ltd’s procurement and commercial director, David Poole, said: “The HS2 project is attracting businesses across the country to help us build Britain’s new high speed, low carbon, railway.
It is fantastic to see that companies in South Wales are already benefiting from contracts on HS2, which now more than ever are providing a welcome boost for the construction, and other related, sectors.”