Express Reinforcements Limited (ERL) is in line to secure a £100 million contract to supply 200,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset.

ERL is the preferred bidder for the contract, with BYLOR, the joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues TP.

Spanish firm Celsa Group acquired Express Reinforcements in 2009. Along with ROM Group and BRC Ltd it forms Celsa Steel UK.

Express is based in Neath and has a Newport manufacturing facility, using steel produced by Celsa Steel in Cardiff.

Andy Lodge, Managing Director, commented: “We are pleased to be the preferred supplier of reinforcing steel to this contract through BYLOR. It cements long-term relationships and puts Express at the forefront of reinforcing steel supply, having already been a major supplier to other key infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and Heathrow Terminal 5.

“It shows that our proven track record in delivering on these significant projects is highly valued and local, responsibly-sourced steel to the highest quality standards (Eco-Reinforcement/BES 6001) is fundamental to all involved on this construction.”

Meanwhile, Martin Westbury, Project Director at BYLOR, said that the Laing O’Rourke/ The Bouygues TP joint venture is pleased at the prospect of working with Express Reinforcements as their preferred bidder for the Hinkley Point C project.

Westbury added that the choice supports their strategy of working with the UK supply chain wherever possible, using materials sourced from the UK.

At present, BYLOR is working closely with EDF Energy to prepare the Hinkley Point C site for the main construction programme, so that work can commence straight after full governmental approval is received.

EDF Energy, which has plans in place to build the power station, said: “In February this year, said that Hinkley Point C would be a significant opportunity for UK steel.