Member Article

ICE President praises Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK during site visit

The President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) visited two renewable energy projects in Denbighshire, and praised the civil engineering contractor charged with delivering the schemes.

Professor Lord Mair toured the Clocaenog Forest and Brenig wind farms and heard first-hand about the key obstacles Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK have successfully overcome during the works.

The Ruthin-based family firm also discussed challenges the industry is facing, as well as the company’s other projects and future schemes in the pipeline.

Professor Lord Mair said: “Throughout 2018, to mark ICE’s bicentenary, we have been celebrating projects which showcase how civil engineering directly transforms people’s lives. I am delighted to visit the Clocaenog Forest and the Brenig wind farms and to learn more about Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s achievements, particularly in health and safety and its outreach to local residents.

“I am pleased to see Jones Bros’ commitment to nurturing and developing talent through its careers and apprenticeship programmes. This has been a particular highlight of the visit given ICE’s emphasis on encouraging young people to consider civil engineering as a rewarding and creative career.”

Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm consists of 27 turbines and once operational will provide enough renewable energy to meet the needs of up to 63,800 average UK homes. Jones Bros, appointed by innogy Renewables UK, uses an on-site concrete batching plant to reduce vehicle journeys.

Brenig wind farm is a 16-turbine development by Chinese developer, CGNEE. Jones Bros is currently undertaking reinstatement works as the project nears completion.

The event was part of Lord Mair’s Presidential visits to the regions and devolved nations to engage with ICE members and explore what they are doing and their plans for the future.

Jones Bros contracts director Eryl Roberts said: “It’s an exciting time for Jones Bros with major schemes about to start, including the Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass, and Lord Mair’s visit and comments show the workforce that their work and expertise is recognised by those at the very top of the industry.”

ICE Wales Cymru director Keith Jones said: “I was delighted to see such a great example of civil engineering being carried out by a local civil engineering contractor.

“In addition to Lord Mair, ICE members also took advantage of the tour and talk and I’m sure those in attendance have taken away some ideas and thoughts to apply within their own organisation.”

During his trip to North Wales, Lord Mair also attended an evening presentation at Kinmel Hotel & Spa, Abergele, focused on the past, present, and future of wind energy.

Speakers were Jones Bros managing director John Dielhof, Andy King, director of energy at SWECO, civils designers for Jones Bros, Matthew Gardner, senior project manager at Vestas, turbine suppliers, and innogy’s head of onshore development UK Alex Murley.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family and employs more than 350 people.

It works on projects including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence, and renewable energy projects around the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .