Sparrows Group wins large contract in defence sector 

Sparrows Group (Sparrows), the engineering and maintenance services specialist has secured a contract to support a dockyard in the south west of England, marking the company’s first large project in the defence sector. 

The deal will see Sparrows design, code, install, and test control system upgrades for seven dock cranes, which will significantly futureproof the assets, ensuring the reliability and safety of operations at the base.

As part of the scope of work, the Programmable Logic Controller and Human Machine Interfaces software will be upgraded and all Variable Speed Drives will be replaced to address obsolescence issues. In addition, three of the cranes will also be given brand new crane cabs. 

Stewart Mitchell, Sparrows CEO, said: “We see great potential in the defence sector where lifting operations is a safety critical element of any facility. Our latest technology and reliable systems can successfully extend the lifespan of a crane which is vital for ensuring defence lifting operations run smoothly without any costly delays.

“Sparrows has over 45 years’ experience maintaining, refurbishing and upgrading cranes and their systems. Our track record of high-quality of work in oil and gas, industrial and renewables sectors has enabled us to secure this work and we’re thrilled to mark this as our largest defence contract. 

“The defence industry demands high standards of safety and reliability and we’ve already been working in the sector offering lifting and rigging related training to companies that are committed to ensuring the competency of their people.”

The project aligns with Sparrow’s diversification strategy which targets new industries for the business following its continued growth in the industrial, renewables and oil and gas sectors around the globe.

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