Last updated at 20:42, Thursday, 01 March 2012

A Workington firm has clinched a £58 million contract at Sellafield.

success: Managing director John Stobbart

Stobbarts Ltd fought off international competition to be awarded the four-year maintenance contract, which will start next month.

The firm employs about 250 people at its head office at Tarn How in Workington and its base at Sellafield.

John Stobbart, managing director, said: “I feel elated. We first started working on the Sellafield site around 15 years ago and the growth in the size of the company since then has been tremendous.

“To win such a massive contract shows great faith in Stobbarts, especially to win in the face of competition in this country and internationally.”

Part of its bid included a commitment to recruit more apprentices. The firm said it planned to increase its apprentice intake to up to eight a year from its present four to six.

Mr Stobbart said: “Securing this contract not only safeguards our existing workforce but enables us to provide further apprenticeships.

“I am a firm believer that young people from West Cumbria must be given opportunities for apprentice training in construction at Sellafield.”

The contract draws together a range of services, including civil engineering, mechanical and design, plant and lifting equipment hire, provision of mobile cranes and rigging.

Keith Case, commercial director for Sellafield Ltd, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see a contract of this nature awarded to a local company.

“Our relationship with Stobbarts has matured over recent years and they’ve grown as an organisation.”

Mr Stobbart started the company in 1987. It also undertakes building projects, plant hire and installs solar energy panels.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 01 March 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk