Sizewell C has appointed Suffolk Safety Solutions as its primary provider of personal protective equipment (PPE), a move that will create 23 new jobs within the county. The contract, set to last for three years, will see the Bacton-based company supply essential safety wear to the power station’s growing workforce, reinforcing Sizewell C’s commitment to investing in local businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Suffolk Safety Solutions, a joint venture, will supply all essential PPE for Sizewell C.
- The contract is expected to create 23 new local jobs.
- Sizewell C has already awarded £581 million to Suffolk businesses.
Local Employment Boost
Suffolk Safety Solutions, located in Bacton near Stowmarket, will be responsible for providing a range of safety items, including hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and protective eyewear. This ensures that the highest standards of on-site safety are maintained for all personnel working on the project. The newly created roles at Suffolk Safety Solutions will include positions for warehouse operatives and delivery drivers, directly benefiting the local community.
A Partnership Built on Experience
The company is a collaborative effort between Mathias & Sons Ltd, a specialist in PPE and workwear with eight years of experience supplying Hinkley Point C, and Portable Space Ltd, a Suffolk-based provider of portable accommodation. This partnership leverages the innovative safety solutions successfully trialled at Hinkley Point C, which will now be implemented at Sizewell C. Portable Space Ltd will provide crucial warehousing and logistics support, complementing Mathias & Sons’ expertise.
Jason Mathias, Managing Director at Mathias & Sons Ltd, highlighted the significance of the contract, stating, "This contract represents a monumental achievement for our respective businesses. As a result of many years of collaboration and innovation at Hinkley, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique demands of large-scale construction projects."
Economic Impact and Investment
Sizewell C has pledged to invest £2 billion in Suffolk businesses throughout the construction phase of the nuclear power station. To date, a substantial £581 million has already been awarded to local suppliers. At the peak of construction, the project is anticipated to support approximately 8,000 jobs, with around a third of these expected to be filled by individuals from the local area. A report by Oxford Economics estimates that Sizewell C could reduce local unemployment by up to 2,200 people, potentially lowering the county’s jobless rate significantly.
Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C, commented on the agreement: "Ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for our workforce is our number one priority. We’re pleased to partner with Mathias and Portable Space – two well-established UK companies – to maintain a safe environment as we deliver this nationally significant project. This is also great news for local jobs and reinforces our commitment to supporting Suffolk businesses."
