Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. plans to open a new office (Pillar House) at Westlakes Science and Technology Park, West Cumbria, UK in autumn 2014.
Nuclear Management Partners, Sellafield Limited’s parent body organisation, and Britain’s Energy Coast (BEC), owner and operator of Westlakes Science and Technology Park, funded the initial build. Jacobs is to fit the premises and intends to secure it for the next 15 years.
Jacobs has grown its presence in the area in recent years and currently employs approximately 530 people across Cumbria; around ninety per cent are local employees.
Jacobs delivers a range of services to the energy industry and other industries locally and globally, and is a member of Sellafield Limited’s Design Services Alliance, established in 2012.
Jacobs Group Vice President Conor Doyle stated, "This is a long term commitment in the West Cumbria area. Our new and larger premises enable Jacobs to continue to grow our local service provision next to our core customers in the region. We also expect this to yield greater opportunities for our existing employees and for new recruits, including graduates and apprentices, to enhance and develop their skills."
Nuclear Management Partners (NMP) has been the parent body organisation for Sellafield Ltd since 2008; supporting the mission of accelerated clean-up at Sellafield on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
General Manager of NMP Ian Hudson said, "Pillar House represents major investment to the tune of £2.25 million by Nuclear Management Partners to support West Cumbria’s drive towards becoming a Centre for Excellence for Energy. We are delighted that we have been able to fund significant extra capacity in office provision in West Cumbria and pleased by the announcement that a long term tenant has been secured already for the development."
The Westlakes Science and Technology Park is home to more than 70 organisations primarily involved in the local nuclear and energy sectors, employing over 1600 people.