Cammell Laird sails back to the future
SHIPYARD Cammell Laird is back in business on Merseyside after bosses revived the historic name.
Cammell Laird closed its gates in 2001 after going into receivership leaving the site deserted. In the seven intervening years a small group of Cammell Laird’s former managers, led by managing director John Syvret, have built up a new company at the shipyard – Northwestern Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Limited (NSL).
Having established itself in the UK ship repair, conversion and military refit market, with a forecasted turnover of £90m and a full order book, Mr Syvret said the time was right to bring back the Cammell Laird name in support of its marine services business.
He said. “It has taken seven years of grit and determination, commitment and long hours from the whole team to rebuild a thriving business here again. We bought back the Cammell Laird name via the receivers some time ago, but have waited until now to restore it to its rightful home.”
The yard, which has a 50-50 split of commercial and military work, is now looking to grow its marine services business in the international ship building, refit, repair and conversion market.
Earlier this year, it signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence for the maintenance of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, potentially worth up to £1bn over 30 years.
Mr Syvret added: “Cammell Laird is an internationally recognised brand which carries tremendous goodwill when bidding for contracts. We want to offer our services and support to UK and European shipyards and customers and expand the business.
“As NSL we have an enviable track record of delivering work of the highest standards of quality and expertise. We want to use the Cammell Laird name to build on this reputation and grow an even bigger business out of this shipyard driving wealth and job creation on Merseyside and in the north.”
Wirral council leader Steve Foulkes said the council has always been of the opinion that ship repair has a place in Birkenhead.
“We have argued consistently for that to be the case and have been delighted at the success of NSL. For the company to now be operating once again under the historic and prestigious name of Cammell Laird is fantastic news for those at the yard and the borough as a whole.
“We remain committed to supporting Cammell Laird and look forward to its continued resurgence.”
