Gas business warming up

Our gas business continues to enjoy steady growth with the award of a major ‘Pre-Heater’ project covering four sites in northwest England. It’s the first project of this type we’ve been awarded since the acquisition of Willows in late 2007.

We are responsible for all civil and mechanical works associated with the project, including replacing the heat exchangers and installing a new boiler system and associated water and gas pipe-work. The heat exchangers will be replaced individually in order to minimise disruption and ensure that gas supply to customers is maintained at all times. Work on site got underway on 21 April.

Gavin Scarr Hall, Utility Services’ Managing Director, commented: “It’s good to see our specialist gas services flourish and I’m confident that our integrated approach to delivery will offer National Grid many benefits.

“The successful acquisition and integration of Willows is in line with our strategy to ‘be the best’ service delivery partner for our gas customers in the future.”

Footnote: We’ve also secured a pipeline diversion that involves re-routing 270m of eight-inch intermediate pressure pipeline to make way for the new Darwen Sports Academy in Lancashire.

Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of the summer.