Jones Bros infrastructure activity earns a CEW award nomination 25th Apr 2024
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s multi-million-pound infrastructure work on Morlais has been recognised by Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) .
The development has been shortlisted for the Infrastructure Project of the Year award, with the Ruthin-based firm completing the Anglesey tidal energy scheme’s onshore activity.
As part of a £24.6 million contract, Jones Bros designed and constructed the civils and electrical infrastructure for the landfall substation on Holy Island and the associated 6km grid connection to Parc Cybi.
Once fully operational, the Menter Môn Morlais Ltd-led venture, hailed as a “groundbreaking project” by former first minister Mark Drakeford , will have the potential to generate up to 240MW of electricity – enough to power around 180,000 typical households.
Senior contracts manager Brendan Fieldhouse, who was part of a 70-strong Jones Bros team, including 10 apprentices, which worked on the scheme across 20 months, said: “It’s fantastic to see our work recognised by CEW.
“We are passionate about the renewables sector and activity in Wales as a whole, so to play a key role in the infrastructure of a significant project on Anglesey is wonderful.
“As part of our activity, we were determined to provide opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors, as well as apprentices, and we did exactly that whilst completing our work ahead of schedule.”
Menter Môn Morlais Ltd has also been shortlisted for Client of the Year, with the Morlais scheme nominated for the Climate Action award.
The first tidal devices of the venture, financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, are expected to be deployed at sea in 2026.
Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, is pleased to see recognition for the collaboration with Jones Bros.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see Jones Bros and Menter Môn Morlais Ltd on the shortlist of the CEW awards.
“When developing Morlais, we wanted to appoint a company that could deliver and provide opportunities for North Wales.
“Jones Bros delivered this and exceeded our expectations, including on the number of apprenticeships created for local people.
“We are also thrilled that Morlais has also reached the shortlist for the Climate Action award, and the Client of the Year award with Jones Bros, which shows the impact of our collaboration. Good luck to all nominees.”
On announcing the shortlists for the awards, which take place on Friday 14 June at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, the CEW said: “Well done to everyone and thank you for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to showcase best practice through the awards.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways , flood and marine defence , waste management and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.