New engineering facility opens to support thriving Port of Hull
ABP says it has invested around a quarter of a million pounds on a cutting edge engineering facility to bolster the development and maintenance of the Port of Hull.
It has taken a year to create the 800 square meter workshop that will be used by 30 mechanical and electrical staff - including apprentices - to service the infrastructure and machinery of the port for many years to come.
Friends and family were welcomed to an official open day that gave them the opportunity to understand operations by getting up-close-and-personal with huge pieces of machinery and safety demonstrations such as first aid.
ABP maintenance manager, Glenn Silburn, said: “This highly anticipated project has all-round benefits as it will improve the working environment for staff and it will also enhance the efficiency of the port as there is more dedicated workspace and equipment to hand.
“There was a real buzz at the open day with children as young as two in attendance learning about what their mum or dad does at work. There were cranes, access platforms, bobcats and shovels on display and our contractors Northern Divers and Stead Engineering came along to show how we work together.”
Hull - the UK’s leading softwood timber port - covers 3,000 acres and handles around 10 million tonnes of cargo each year.
The engineering team is vital in ensuring the smooth running of the busy port. The new facility will enable them to test the safety of chains and hooks used around the port and has equipment such as an overhead crane, hydraulic press and a pedestal drill to facilitate the vital works.
