Jones Bros secures multi-million-pound contract to deliver Cydnerth Project29th Aug 2025

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured a £10m contract to deliver the infrastructure work on the Cydnerth Project in Holyhead.

The expansion of the Morlais tidal energy scheme, owned by Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, marks a major milestone for the North Wales low-carbon economy.

Backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and funding from both Welsh and UK governments, the multi-million-pound scheme will increase the grid capacity at Morlais from 18MW to an eventual 240MW.

Jones Bros, which carried out the onshore works for the first phase of the Anglesey-based development, will undertake around 1.8km of cabling activity.

Horizontal directional drilling, which will be 220 metres in length and 12 metres deep, will be required to account for the A55 and railway track.

The Ruthin-headquartered firm will also upgrade the existing substation with a new transformer to enable grid capacity expansion.

Jones Bros project manager Gareth Bostock said: “It’s fantastic to be able to build on our work on the first phase by facilitating the next stage of the scheme.

“We are passionate about renewable energy developments, with our highly skilled team possessing a strong track record in the sector across the UK.”

Gareth will lead a group of up to 10, including trainees and apprentices, as Jones Bros delivers the project.

He continued: “As a North Wales-based company, it is wonderful to provide employment opportunities in the region.

“As ever, we will also utilise the local supply chain wherever possible as we undertake the necessary activity to enhance this important scheme.”

Morlais is the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe and is also the largest tidal development run by a social enterprise.

Andy Billcliff, chief executive of Menter Môn Morlais, said: “This is great news for the local economy – and shows that Morlais is delivering on its promise to bring local benefits even before the first turbine is deployed at sea.

“Jones Bros are a respected business who share our values in terms of local employment and ensuring the region’s young people have the opportunity to work and develop new skills right here in north Wales.

“Local benefit has been the key driver for Morlais from the start – this new contract reinforces this and demonstrates our commitment to deliver. Jones Bros have much experienced in renewable energy projects, so we’re pleased to partner with them again on a scheme which can make a real difference.”

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 hundreds of apprentices over the years.