Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s long-standing relationship with RWE Renewables was highlighted on a day dedicated to supply chain engagement.
Huw Jones MBE, chairman of Jones Bros, was invited to give a presentation at RWE’s North Wales supplier business breakfast at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
The affiliation between the two dates back to 2009, when the Ruthin-headquartered company completed substation infrastructure activity on the 160-turbine Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Following on from that project, the civil engineering firm was named principal contractor on Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm, before being appointed to deliver enabling works for the onshore converter station at Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
Jones Bros head of new business Mike Jones, said: “The business breakfast provided the perfect platform to find out more about RWE’s plans for the future and for us to showcase the benefits and opportunities that working together has presented.”
Attendees, including existing and prospective partners, had the chance to learn more about supply chain openings for renewable energy projects in the region.
One such scheme is Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, which has been proposed for an area of seabed immediately west of its sister project, Gwynt y Môr.
There was also time to hear RWE representatives outline potential advantages for businesses in North Wales, offerings associated with current onshore, offshore, and hydro-electric projects, and strategies for new developments.
The afternoon consisted of a workshop focusing on people and skills in the supply chain, which was attended by Jones Bros training manager, Garmon Hafal.
RWE, in collaboration with EnBW and bp, delivered the session to understand the talent and employment challenges the industry faces.
There was also a focus around establishing ways in which companies can work together to support the growth of the offshore wind sector.
Garmon said: “The workshop provided an invaluable insight into the current hurdles around attracting talent and facilitated an in-depth discussion on the best way to move forward.”
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.
