Jones Bros hits construction milestone on Benbrack Wind Farm 4th Jan 2024
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s work on Benbrack Wind Farm has allowed the scheme to reach a critical construction milestone.
The civil engineering contractor has completed all balance of plant activity, including creation of a 10km access track, 15 turbine foundations, a substation building, and electrical cabling works.
More than 100,000 hours have been worked on the project located near Carsphairn in Dumfries and Galloway, which is now preparing for the first turbine delivery in February 2024.
The Ruthin-headquartered firm’s project manager Jonathan Maitland, who led a team of over 30 personnel, including apprentices and trainee engineers, said: “It’s always wonderful to hit key milestones on a project.
“To have now reached this target is testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved to achieve this safely and to such a high standard.
“Completing the turbine foundations ahead of programme and ensuring all the work could be completed prior to the worst of the winter weather, is a huge milestone for both client and contractor.”
Utilising its on-site concrete batching plant and consented borrow pit, Jones Bros saved some 17,000 public road HGV movements, minimising disruption for residents.
Jonathan added: “Jones Bros is very cognisant of their environmental footprint and finding ways to reduce this impact, so we are thrilled to have been able to avert so many heavy plant vehicle movements.”
David Fielding, Red Rock project director, added: “Together with Jones Bros and Natural Power , we’ve been working hard to deliver the first phase of construction at Benbrack before the end of the year as quickly and safely as possible.
“We’ve been impressed with our contractors’ efficiency and attention to detail, and we’re now in a great position to prepare for the first turbine delivery in 2024.”
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.