UKIS Engage: Port Talbot Company Deliver

Port Talbot-based Wernick Buildings has recently completed its first accommodation instalment supporting the construction of HS2.

The family-run business has successfully won work on HS2, and has manufactured, transported and installed office and welfare accommodation to a site outside London where HS2 is set to launch its first tunnel boring machines.

The contract, awarded by HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor Align JV – a joint venture of 3 companies, Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick – has supported jobs for the company which employs around 170 people in the local area. Earlier in the year, Wernick Buildings completed the manufacture of the building modules at the company’s factory in Port Talbot and these were transported to the site by the M25 to be installed.

However, it isn’t just Wernick Buildings that benefited from this contract; other local businesses also won work on the HS2 project indirectly. Wernick used other local suppliers, including Trefoil Interiors who provided the internal fit-outs for the accommodation units. By using other local businesses, the local economy can flourish, and the project can also provide more opportunities for many SMEs across the UK.

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.”

Speaking about the benefits of working on HS2, Ben Wernick, Managing Director of Construction at 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.”

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