This week I’d like to focus on engineering. Today is National Engineering Day, celebrating the work of engineers and the value that the profession contributes to society and the world we live in.
In my short time at SGN I’ve been very impressed by the quality of our engineers and what they do. Last week I was lucky enough to visit our work at Kennington where we’re commissioning a new below-ground governor that has the capability to pass up to 58,000 standard cubic meters per hour. We’re diverting the existing mains for the new housing development by Berkeley Homes, our joint venture partner. I was so impressed on every level.
First and foremost the site was very safe, well done all. After that, what really impressed me was the innovative engineering. We’re using 800mm PE pipe for the first time and the huge spherical tee pieces are the first used in our network.
I really appreciate and am excited by this innovation. I’ve spent many years in railways and I know that nimble, speedy, engineering solutions like this would take many years (if ever!) to implement. Impressive stuff.
I think one of our strong suits is our engineering innovation skills and tradition across the whole company. It will be very important for our future I am sure.
I was also privileged to spend a morning with Dale, one of our FCOs in our London region. It was brilliant to spend time at the front line, it really helps me understand the pressures our teams face and, of course, the amazing job they do 24/7 365 days a year.
