New MASFE installed at Thorp plant - 19-12-2007 - 09:19

One of the largest cranes in Europe is being used to help install a new Medium Active Salt Free Evaporator (MASFE) in the Thorp plant at Sellafield.

Part of the roof at the plant has been dismantled in order to lift the pieces of the MASFE into place.

Eleanor Billson, project manager, told News and Star: "The new facility will replace the existing MASFE which is nearing the end of its life. This has been a very challenging project but I'm delighted that we have reached this major milestone."

She added that the whole of the team had pulled together for the project and it is now "six months ahead of the original lifetime plan schedule to install the vessels".

The contract was awarded to Jordan Nuclear in March and is worth £5.9 million. Bendalls Engineering has manufactured the four vessels which are two effect evaporators, an effect separator and a steam stripper.

The first vessel that will be installed weighs almost 20 tonnes and is the size of a double-decker bus.

Jordan Nuclear was formed in 1964 and is the nuclear engineering and decommissioning division of the Redhall Group.

Engineers not affected by credit crunch - 03-12-2007 - 10:58

Engineering and manufacturers companies have not been affected by the credit crunch, according to a report, which may provide a relief for jobseekers looking for engineering jobs.

The research, by the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), shows that only three per cent of companies reported a major increase in credit costs.

Steve Radley, EEF's chief economist, said: "Despite rising oil prices, a falling dollar and a more uncertain economic outlook, manufacturers recorded another quarter of healthy growth and are looking to the future with a degree of confidence. Investment intentions also remain strong, reflecting their continuing commitment to drive up productivity."

The report also said that engineering will expand 1.3 per cent this year and a further one per cent next year.

Meanwhile, contracts have been signed for the £260 million second Tyne Tunnel project which will create approximately 400 construction jobs in the area.

The Sunderland Echo reports the majority of jobs will go to local construction companies.