Shipyard and engineering services company Cammell Laird has ramped up its activity in the energy sector by renovating facilities and appointing a leading nuclear sector engineer.
John Eldridge, who has a track record of more than 40 years working on the design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear facilities, joined Cammell Laird from Sellafield Ltd which operates the nuclear reprocessing plant in West Cumbria. Eldridge joins Cammell Laird business development director David Williams in spearheading the company’s nuclear operations.
Cammell Laird CEO John Syvret CBE said the company is now making ‘serious progress’ in its campaign to position itself as one of the prime locations in Britain for the manufacture of modules for the multi-billion pound new build and decommissioning programmes.
"In terms of our investment we have spent more than £1.5m in renovating one of the large workshops near the construction hall. The refurbishment has seen six cranes overhauled and a new roof, floor, electrics and lighting installed. It will provide a world-class facility to test and assemble modules and rigs for our nuclear clients."
Syvret said the workshop investment and appointment of Mr Eldridge demonstrated Cammell Laird’s ability and desire to grow in the nuclear sector.
Eldridge said that a crucial element to progress recognised by Cammell Laird, is the urgent need to train and provide experience for the young engineers who will drive the programmes forward. An informal programme of secondment opportunities has already started across the sector which sees graduate engineers work on eight-month placements in Birkenhead. The first secondee is 24-year-old Rob Wild, a mechanical engineer from Sellafield Ltd, who will work in Cammell Laird’s Energy Division until January 2015.
