MD at precast concrete firm steps down amid HS2 tunnel quality concerns

The managing director of a Derbyshire precast concrete supplier has left the business – just a month after quality issues were raised on section of HS2 tunnel being installed in Northamptonshire.

Ian Steel has left Stanton Precast after just seven months as MD, according to Construction Enquirer.

A statement to staff seen by the trade title reads: “We would like to announce a change in the leadership of Stanton Precast.

“Stuart Yates has now joined Stanton Precast Ltd as Managing Director.

“Stuart takes over from Ian Steel, who we thank for his contribution to Stanton Precast over the last months.

“Stuart will drive the transformation needed to accelerate the growth of the business and better serve our customers’ needs.”

Stanton Precast won the major contract to deliver three “green tunnels’ for the high-speed rail project late last year, in a move that was set to create up to 100 local jobs.

Four miles worth of tunnel was set to be built in thousands of sections at the Ilkeston factory before being shipped to site and assembled at three locations in rural Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

Testing is still being carried out on the tunnel segments on the 2.5km Chipping Warden Green Tunnel. Work was started on the stretch of HS2 line earlier this year.