Local companies in Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria have secured contracts totalling over £1m during the ongoing construction of the 30MW Solwaybank wind farm in southern Scotland.
The project is being developed and built by RES for The Renewables Infrastructure Group and will comprise 15 Senvion MM100 turbines.
Deals totalling more than £1.5m have been agreed to provide aggregate, security, concrete and plant hire throughout construction.
RES has worked in close partnership with Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK to engage several companies in the area including Pro-Tect for security and cleaning, LIP Construction for road surfacing and GT Contracting for fencing.
Grange Quarry has supplied aggregate for the construction of site tracks and hard standings and is located just five kilometres from the site.
RES construction manager David McKenzie said: “Maintaining good links with the local communities where wind farms are situated is of paramount importance.
“Local contractors have extensive knowledge of the local area and bring highly skilled staff and services to projects.
“Alongside TRIG we are very happy to be able to support local businesses and look forward to further engagement with local companies over the coming year.”
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK project manager David Nicholson said: “As with all our projects, we aim to provide opportunities for the local community to benefit from employment and sub-contract work.
“Working in partnership with RES at Solwaybank wind farm, we have recruited two local people, and supported them obtaining their plant tickets and associated training.”
Grange Quarry managing director Stuart Dodd said: “Being in such close proximity to Solwaybank wind farm means we can supply materials and concrete to the site easily and effectively.
“Being able to work on such an important project for the area is a tremendous validation of our capabilities and testament to RES that it recognises the crucial role local knowledge and expertise can play in a significant construction project.”