Graham Construction has secured a nuclear contract extension as the LOW Level Waste Repository (LLWR) has signed the second half of its major four year framework deal.

LLWR operates the nuclear waste site at Drigg, West Cumbria, which takes low level radioactive waste from the nuclear sector, hospitals and industry.

The contract was split into two parts, with LLWR having the option to carry on with the second half of the contract based on performance.

Graham Construction, a family owned firm, was awarded the engineering, design and construction framework two years ago. Since then the two organisations have formed an integrated team to work on schemes such as site infrastructure improvements, repository development and security enhancement.

LLWR’s Head of Site, Paul Pointon, commented: “The signing of this contract extension is a measure of the confidence we have in Graham Construction to continue to carry out extensive works on our site over the next two years.

“The single team approach is working well and producing results and I want to thank all involved for their efforts. We expect the relationship between the two organisations to flourish over the next two years, building on the experience gained in the past two years.”

Graham Construction is based in Northern Ireland and has worked hard to integrate into the community of West Cumbria.
Earlier in the year, Graham Construction had 44 employees working on the framework, of which 32 were local.

More than 80 people were also supported through sub-contracting, of which 90% were small and medium sized businesses.
With support from LLWR, the company has also developed three science and engineering ambassadors to work in schools, supported Drigg Gala Day and visited many schools and colleges to talk about the benefits of engineering.

Graham Construction’s Stuart Robertson, commented: “We are delighted that the relationship with LLWR is going from strength-to-strength. There is much to achieve over the next two years, but working closely with LLWR, I’m sure we will continue to produce results.”