A Newton Aycliffe firm has won a £1.9m contract to fabricate and erect the steel frame for the wind turbines built in the region.

Shepherd Construction has secured a framework contract with the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC), based in Northumberland, to build three new facilities to house test rigs for full scale wind and marine prototype devices.

NAREC won consent from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to construct and operate a 99.9MW offshore wind demonstration site at Blyth, comprising 15 turbines.

And Aycliffe-based Finley Structures have been contracted to work on 28 huge columns which will support the testing facility’s roof.

Managing director John Finley says the contract is further testament to the firm’s growing capabilities.

“Contracts like this are becoming run of the mill to us now,” said John, pictured with his son and daughter, Julie and Gary Finley, next to some of the steelwork which will form the 31-metre high columns as part of the construction.

“With a turnover now approaching £12m, we have recently increased our workforce to 49 and are winning contracts from 50-tonne to 2000-tonne nationwide.

“The company’s strength and position in the market is thanks to significant investments over the last two-to-three years and the dedication of the team who continue to strive in order to be the best in the business.

“We have had a good start to the year, partnering with Shepherd Construction on several new builds.”

Shepherd project manager Neil Matthias said: “Finley’s adopted a collaborative approach to the resolution of the technical difficulties that the project presented and are on programme to deliver the project on time and within the set budget.

“The on-site and off-site management and support teams provide a well managed, safe working environment together with technical support that are co-ordinated with great efficiency.

“As the site at NAREC is a challenging confined site which requires strategic co-ordination with other trades, and although still in its infancy, Finley’s have adopted a team can-do approach.”

John has just promoted his daughter Julie as Finley Structures joint-managing director, while son Gary has been promoted to joint-MD of Finley’s sister company, SCH Site Services.