A Hinkley Point C contractor has opened a new factory in Bridgwater, Somerset, and is planning to create 150 jobs. Engineering company BGEN said the move followed its appointment to a major electrical and instrumentation project at the nuclear power station.
The £84m contract, announced in April, was awarded to the Warrington-headquartered firm by GE Steam Power Systems.
GE will supply the two conventional power islands for the nuclear plant, including the Arabelle steam turbine, generator and other critical equipment. BGEN will be responsible for designing, supplying and installing the electrical and instrumentation packages for the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Turbine Halls.
The firm’s new facility at Carnival Way, close to Junction 24 of the M5 motorway, will initially employ 40 people. The manufacturing plant will be used to pre-assemble materials for the Hinkley Point C project, which is set to start in April 2025.
“In recent times the business has expanded significantly as we continue to help deliver major energy security and transition projects across the UK,” said David Blackburn, senior project manager at BGEN. “We’re looking for 150 candidates at all levels to help deliver an £84m project at Hinkley Point C, including office-based professionals and skilled craftspeople.”
The job opportunities will be in health and safety, planning, project management and quality control. The business will also be looking for site supervisors, site managers, electricians, welders and scaffolders, it said. BGEN will also train up to 10 apprentices during the project.
BGEN currently employs 1,500 people across 14 locations in the UK, with regional offices including Barrow-in-Furness, Basildon, Grangemouth, Scunthorpe and Widnes.