Jones Bros marks major construction milestone at Sanquhar II Wind Farm
A leading civil engineering firm has helped Sanquhar II Wind Farm reach a significant construction milestone, with all 44 turbine foundations…
“It is rewarding to be part of a project that is delivering benefits for my local community while supporting the region’s renewable energy future.”
Those are the words of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Site Administrator Fiona McHardy, who lives just 15 minutes from Clashindarroch II Wind Farm.
The tier one contractor is prioritising recruiting nearby talent wherever possible, helping to bring skilled employment opportunities to the area as part of its work on the Aberdeenshire-based renewables project.
Appointed Principal Contractor by client Vattenfall, Jones Bros’ activity forms part of a £30 million package to deliver the 63MW, 14-turbine scheme.
One of those making the most of the opportunities available at the wind farm was local student Angus Webster, who undertook a summer placement with Jones Bros.
He said: “It’s been a great opportunity to gain real industry experience during my summer break while contributing to a project that’s having a positive impact in the area.”
Angus was joined on site by Ganger Eddie Drydon, who lives in the nearby town of Huntly.
He said: “Having the opportunity to work on a major development so close to home has been a real benefit.
“I am proud to bring my experience to the site and contribute to a scheme that is creating scope for investment within the area.”
Jones Bros Project Manager Jonathan Maitland commented: “We are proud to be working alongside Vattenfall and pleased that so many members of our workforce come from the surrounding region.
“Angus, Fiona, and Eddie each bring something different to the team, and it’s been great to see the opportunities being provided so close to home.
“Recruiting locally brings valuable skills and knowledge to the project, while giving people the chance to gain experience and develop their careers. We always strive to support the nearby communities and provide positive benefits across our work.”
Vattenfall Local Liaison Officer, Kerry Birse, said: “At Vattenfall, we’re committed to creating value for the communities that host our renewable energy schemes. That means looking beyond the delivery of renewable energy and ensuring people in the area have opportunities to benefit through employment, skills development and investment.
“We’re delighted to be working with contractors like Jones Bros who share our commitment to supporting nearby communities. Seeing residents playing such an important role in bringing Clashindarroch II to life is exactly the kind of positive legacy we want the project to create.
“Throughout the development stage, we held Meet the Buyer and Meet the Contractor sessions to ensure that once we were in the construction phase, local workers and suppliers were ready and able to join us.”
Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 570 people.
The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy around the UK.
The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced a large percentage of its current workforce, with several of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.
