Ground engineering contractor Van Elle Holdings has secured a £30m deal with Wood Transmission & Distribution (“Wood”) to support infrastructure projects across the UK.

Over the next eight years, Nottinghamshire-based Van Elle will provide ground investigation, design and construction services for piling and foundations on a range of major transmission projects.

The partnership is part of Ofgem’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) programme and has the potential to expand based on performance.

Work has already started on projects in New Cumnock and Argyll.

The latest project, at Beauly-Loch Buidhe, is now gearing up with ground investigation works throughout January, preparing for the construction of 240 towers set for 2026-27.

Chief executive, Mark Cutler said: “Wood has been a long-standing customer for Van Elle, so we are delighted to announce this partnering agreement to help deliver part of the significant scale of energy infrastructure in Scotland together over the coming years. Our breadth of capability allows us to integrate ground investigation, design and piling and foundation solutions best suited to the project requirements. Initial works have commenced, and activity levels will now increase as other schemes are mobilised across Scotland.

“Our recent acquisition of Albion Drilling based in Stirling will support with a local resource base and specialist skills needed to deliver these important commitments, often in remote and challenging locations. This agreement is the first of a number that we anticipate in this growing sector; reinforcing our confidence in our medium-term ambitions.”