WIRRAL recruitment agency Scantec Personnel has won a new five-year contract to supply the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).

AWE manufactures and maintains warheads for Trident, the UK’s sole nuclear deterrent.

It also plays a vital role in support of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and counter terrorism.

Under the new contract Scantec will supply technical and engineering personnel which are key to AWE’s business model and the safe and secure delivery of their programme.

Scantec’s managing director John Robinson told LDP Business that the new contract is recognition of Scantec’s long standing relationship with the AWE.

He said: “This is a tremendous contract for Scantec which will help catapult the business forward. This renewal of the contract will see us supply staff for a further five years.

“It is testament to the consistent quality of service the staff at Scantec have provided to AWE over the last 14 years on what are two very complex high security facilities.”

Scantec was established in 1990 by Mr Robinson and Peter Bates.

The business initially served the North West, supplying personnel to businesses such as Unilever and Quest International and focusing on the petrochemical, mechanical, pharmaceutical and civil industries. In 1995 the firm made significant headway in the defence sector, winning a five year contract with Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE).

Recognising the potential growth of the business, in 2003, the two directors created and implemented a five-year plan, which outlined plans for turnover, the creation of a new headquarters and ambitious recruitment plans.

In 2006, Scantec relocated into a purpose-built 11,000 sq ft site at Twelve Quays, Birkenhead and by December 2008, had achieved an annual turnover of £62.4m, employing 62 people.

It is now aiming to grow turnover beyond £100m in the next five years.