Jones Bros begins work on Benbrack Onshore Wind Farm

A leading civil engineering firm has started work on Benbrack Onshore Wind Farm.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is managing the balance of plant activity of the 15-turbine wind farm between Dalmellington and Carsphairn on the A713 in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

Contracted by Red Rock Power, Jones Bros’ activity will include the construction of access roads, turbine foundations, and electrical infrastructure, including an onsite substation.

The wind farm project will provide work for 32 Jones Bros employees at the company’s Bellshill base, including four apprentices and trainee engineers.

Jones Bros project manager, Jonathan Maitland, said: “It’s wonderful to start work on the wind farm and continue our long history of delivering renewable projects in Scotland.

“We have vast amounts of experience working on wind farm projects and this presents another fantastic chance for our skilled team to showcase their individual and collective talents.

“As with all our projects, we will be actively looking to provide opportunities locally in terms of supply chain.”

Natural Power will oversee activity as construction management service provider, while turbine supplier Vestas is scheduled to mobilise to the site in early 2024 for installation works.

First power generation from the wind farm in south west Scotland is expected in spring 2024 with full commercial operations to follow later that summer.

Benbrack project director, Jamie Grant, said: “We’ve been driving towards the start of construction since we acquired Benbrack early last year, so we’re excited to get started and be a step closer to generating clean energy.

“We’ll be working closely with our key contractors and the local supply chain to deliver the wind farm quickly and with minimum disruption to the local area.”

Red Rock Power CEO, Guy Madgwick, added: “As the first wind farm under our management to move into construction, Benbrack signifies our continued commitment to the Scottish market and the expansion of our wind business.

“Onshore wind remains central to our long-term vision – we look forward to seeing Benbrack come to fruition while we consider future opportunities.”

The Benbrack development is committed to maximising supply chain opportunities and contributing to the creation of valuable green jobs in the local area.

Businesses interested in learning more about working on the wind farm project can visit: https://www.redrockpower.co.uk/supplychain/

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 50 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.