Brierley Hill-based electrical control systems manufacturer and automation integrator Banelec has secured a landmark £2.5 million contract to supply 800 specialist Power Distribution Units (PDUs) into a major nuclear energy programme, marking one of the most significant orders in the company’s history and a major step forward in its expansion into the energy sector.
The contract will see Banelec design, manufacture, test and deliver the high-specification electrical distribution units over an extended production programme, with every unit subject to extensive verification, traceability and quality assurance procedures demanded by one of the world’s most highly regulated industries.
The award represents a significant endorsement of the company’s engineering capability and manufacturing standards, with the nuclear sector placing some of the most stringent requirements on suppliers anywhere in global industry.
While Banelec has built its reputation over the past quarter century supplying electrical control systems, automation solutions and specialist engineering services into aerospace, defence, transport and industrial markets, the latest contract demonstrates the growing recognition of its expertise within critical national infrastructure projects.
Managing Director Dean Banner described the award as a transformational contract for the business.
“This is a hugely important project for Banelec and one that reflects the confidence major energy customers now have in our engineering capability, manufacturing quality and project delivery expertise,” he said.
“Entering the nuclear supply chain is not something that happens overnight. The level of scrutiny, auditing, documentation and testing required is unlike almost any other sector. Every process must be robust, every component fully traceable and every stage of manufacture rigorously controlled.”
The 800 PDUs will form a critical part of the electrical infrastructure supporting the wider energy programme, distributing power safely and reliably across key operational systems.
As part of the contract, Banelec will undertake detailed assembly, inspection, testing and documentation procedures designed to meet the exacting standards expected within nuclear environments.
The project has already required extensive supplier qualification processes, technical reviews and compliance assessments before production approval was granted.
Banner believes the successful contract award highlights the strength of engineering expertise that continues to exist within the UK’s manufacturing sector.
“British engineering businesses continue to compete successfully on the global stage because customers recognise the value of quality, reliability and technical excellence,” he said.
“This contract wasn’t awarded on price alone. It was awarded because the customer needed complete confidence that the product would be delivered to the highest standards and perform exactly as required.”
The programme will provide a significant boost to activity at Banelec’s Brierley Hill facility, supporting skilled manufacturing, electrical assembly and quality assurance roles while further strengthening the company’s capabilities in high-integrity engineering projects.
The contract also builds upon a period of sustained growth for the business, which has recently secured major projects across aerospace, offshore energy and industrial automation markets.
Known for its ability to deliver complex control systems, automation integration, bespoke electrical panels and specialist engineering solutions, Banelec has increasingly diversified into sectors where reliability, compliance and operational resilience are mission critical.
The move into nuclear energy is viewed internally as a natural progression.
“Our business has always operated in environments where failure simply isn’t an option,” said Banner.
“Whether it’s aerospace, defence, offshore energy or nuclear infrastructure, customers are looking for engineering partners who understand risk, understand compliance and understand the importance of getting things right first time.”
The scale of the order is also expected to create opportunities for continued investment in manufacturing capability, quality systems and workforce development as the company positions itself for further growth within the energy sector.
Banner believes the contract could act as a platform for additional opportunities as governments and industry continue investing heavily in energy security and low-carbon infrastructure.
“The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation and there is enormous demand for proven engineering expertise,” he said.
“This contract demonstrates that companies like Banelec can compete successfully in some of the most demanding markets in the world. It’s a major achievement for our team, a significant milestone for the business and another example of the world-class engineering capability that exists here in the Black Country.”
With production now underway, the £2.5 million order stands as one of the largest in Banelec’s history and further reinforces the company’s growing reputation as a trusted supplier of high-performance electrical and automation solutions for critical infrastructure projects worldwide.