Bridgwater-based precision engineering firm
Berry & Escott Engineering, has secured a major contract at Hinkley Point C — the project to build a new nuclear power station in Somerset. The company, which is based at the Blake Mill Business Park, is now a Tier One contractor and will have some of the highest levels of involvement on the project.
Hinkley Point C is the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in Britain and is one of Europe’s largest construction sites. It will provide reliable, zero-carbon electricity for around six million homes, helping the UK achieve ‘net zero’ and stronger energy security.
Berry & Escott will design vital training equipment, as the power station prepares to become operational. This includes a ‘flow loop simulator’ — a replica of key systems found across the site, including tanks, pipework, and pumps. Trainees will use the equipment to gain experience in operating key components in real life scenarios. A similar system has previously been installed at the
National College for Nuclear, in Bridgwater.
As a result of the new Tier One status, Berry & Escott plan to recruit 20 additional workers and apprentices from the local area, bringing the total workforce to 75. Staff will also be able to take advantage of the 30,000 new training courses being made available by the project. The achievement paves the way for the company to secure further contracts on other major infrastructure projects, including at Sizewell C in Suffolk.
Lee Berry, director at Berry & Escott, said: “Achieving Tier One status on Europe’s largest construction site is an outstanding achievement for our company and we are truly thankful to every member of the team that makes us who we are.”
Chris Escott, also a director at Berry & Escott, added: “We are tremendously proud of being a leading supplier of training simulators to the nuclear industry. It is 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.”
Chris Quinn, supply chain director at Hinkley Point C, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Berry & 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.”