Cheshire-based company doubles workforce thanks to HS2 contract

Wincham-based Select Plant Hire has almost doubled the size of its Cheshire depot and workforce after winning a contract to supply eco-cabins at HS2 construction sites.

Select has an extensive network of offices and support centres across the UK and over the last 18 months, it has nearly doubled the amount of staff at its Cheshire site, going from 50 to 90 employees. Eight of those employees are apprentices and earlier this month (11th February) Select was awarded ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ by Trafford College.

The company has already supplied over 100 eco-cabins to HS2’s biggest construction site on the project. The south tunnel portal site, near the M25, is where two tunnel boring machines will be launched to dig the 10-mile-long Chiltern tunnels and the tunnels towards HS2’s Old Oak Common Station in London.

The modular construction units supplied by the Select team are used as site accommodation offices for the hundreds of construction workers based at the tunnel portal site. The modular-build approach adopted by the Select team provides an eco-friendly solution, with the accommodation units designed and constructed in Cheshire and then quickly assembled on site.

Chris Brown, Operations Manager at Select Plant Hire said:

“Our contract to supply bespoke modular accommodation units for HS2 has been a huge win for our business, allowing us to expand in size and employ more people from the local area.

“In the current climate, that’s a huge relief, knowing that we’ve secured a pipeline of work that’s enabled us to grow.”

Select is supplying more modular units to HS2’s satellite construction sites in Hertfordshire and, with confirmation that the HS2 line will extend to Crewe, after Royal Assent was granted on 11 February 2021, the company is confident of its ability to win more work supporting the delivery of Britain’s new railway in the future.

2,000 businesses have already won work on HS2, with over 100 of those based in the North-West of England. 

 David Poole, HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director said:

“HS2 has a vital role to play in Britain’s economic recovery. Our contract awards to businesses right across the country are not only helping to secure jobs, they’re creating them too.

“I’m delighted to see Select investing in bringing more young talent into the firm, through new apprenticeship opportunities, and that HS2 has helped to spearhead this growth.”