William Hare secures Sizewell C contract

A Lancashire-based engineering firm is set to play a key role in the construction of Hinkley Point C, the nuclear power station being built on the West Somerset coast.

William Hare Group has secured a contract to supply and erect the structural steelwork for Sizewell C’s amenity building at its on-site accommodation campus. 

Bosses at the Bury-headquartered firm say the project will involve fabricating 550 tonnes of steel at the company’s Scarborough facility, which houses the UK’s first robotic fabrication system for high-volume, precision steel production.

They add that on-site steelwork is scheduled to begin before the end of 2025.

Craig Arnold, director at William Hare Limited, which has delivered similar work at Hinkley Point C since 2019, said: “William Hare has some 50 years continuous engagement in the highly specialised nuclear sector. 

“This experience encompasses nuclear reprocessing, new fuels complexes, civil and defence decommissioning, research facilities, and most recently a major contribution to the Hinkley Point C project.

“We are therefore delighted to bring that depth of learning and experience to Sizewell C.”

Tony Whitten, operations director at William Hare Limited, added: “This project represents another significant step in our continued support of the UK’s nuclear infrastructure, and we’re excited to bring our expertise in complex steelwork to such a critical development. 

“Our team is committed to delivering the highest standards of safety, quality, and collaboration throughout the project.”

The two-storey amenity building will support the out-of-area workforce housed at the accommodation campus during the power station’s construction. 

Sizewell C has pledged to award 70 per cent of its construction value to UK firms, with £2.5 billion earmarked for businesses in the North of England. 

Nigel Cann, joint managing director of Sizewell C, said: “We are committed to supporting the UK steel industry as we build Sizewell C, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to award this contract to a company with a proven track record of delivering high-quality work in this country.

“This is also great news for the North of England, where we’ve already committed to investing £2.5 billion during the construction of our project. 

“This investment will support thousands of jobs and create a skills legacy for decades to come.” 

Lord Vallance, minister for science, innovation, research and nuclear, added: “Our clean power mission is not only about strengthening our energy security, but also developing British supply chains.

“Building Sizewell C on the Suffolk coast will provide homegrown energy to millions for generations while supporting good jobs in communities like Scarborough.”

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