As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve been taking a look back at the amazing progress we’ve made over the past 12 months at Eadon. This year has been one of growth, diversity, and innovation for us – paving the way for even more exciting opportunities next year.

This year, we welcomed six new team members; Mark Farrell joined as Project Manager, Sydney Belton as a Business Support Graduate, Emma Taylor-Lonsdale as a Placement Engineer, Josh Pocock as Graduate Engineer and Jack Brodrick as Graduate Designer and then finally, Robin Hildyard has recently joined as an engineer to further strengthen our technical expertise.

This year, the team attended over 50 sales meetings and conferences. Highlights included the Waste Management Symposium in Phoenix, Bridges 2024, IABSE events, the Flood and Coast conference, Heavy Movable Structures in New Orleans, and key supplier days with the Manufactured Products Organisation and UKAEA. These events continue to be a great way to build relationships and share our expertise across a variety of sectors. We are looking to get more people in the business involved with these activities, which is why we have begun Sales training with Senior Engineers and the Senior Leadership Team.

Waste Management Symposium in Phoenix

Over the past year, the variety of work and clients we’ve engaged with has expanded significantly, driving our growth and enabling us to take on more exciting opportunities. With so many standout projects, it’s hard to know where to begin. We’ve particularly enjoyed working on the Humber Gantry Lifting Frames design, the Whorlton Bridge Cable Crane CATIII check, and the Catena Cable Chain Lifting Frame design.

Humber Bridge gantry lowered onto Barge (image © ALPS)

A significant success was securing a position as a supplier on Lot 1 (Mechanical Engineering) of the UKAEA multi-supplier Engineering Design Services Framework. This framework highlights our expertise in the nuclear sector and our capability to deliver in highly complex, hazardous environments. It also positions us to contribute to groundbreaking projects in the fusion energy market while supporting our long-term growth plans. Achievements like this, combined with our collaborative approach, have set the stage for an even more dynamic year ahead.

Another key moment this year was reaching a major milestone in our REACH project. Seeing the REACH Swivel prototype come to life and seeing it perform so well was a true highlight. What began as a complex concept in CAD transformed into a versatile, functional system that exceeded expectations. REACH, designed for long-range mapping, data collection, and tool deployment in inaccessible or hazardous environments, has proven its value in nuclear decommissioning and beyond and we’re incredibly proud of it.

REACH arm with manipulator installed

The ATF deconstruction study at Sellafield has been an exciting and complex challenge for us this year. The project involves dismantling two buildings and coming up with creative solutions for everything from lifting strategies to containment measures. With radioactive aspects and tight site conditions, this project has pushed us to think outside the box – exactly the kind of challenge we love at Eadon.

Last month we were excited to attend the official opening of the Gull Wing Bridge in Lowestoft by The Princess Royal. As one of the world’s largest hydraulically lifted rolling bascule bridges, this £145 million project is a groundbreaking achievement, and Eadon is proud to have contributed by designing the operating equipment and supporting its construction. The bridge also featured in this year’s Tour of Britain, with riders crossing it during their preliminary ride-out for the final stage.

Official Opening of the Gull Wing Bridge

We’re excited about the opportunities ahead in 2025. A major milestone will be expanding into our brand new office in the Lake District, complete with a workshop. This new office will enable us to strengthen our connections across the northwest and expand our capacity to take on diverse projects. We’re also looking forward to growing our team further, with recruitment underway for talented engineers who share our passion for innovation and problem-solving.

Eadon’s new office in Cockermouth

If you’re interested in joining our growing team, check out our current vacancies HERE.

From all of us at Eadon, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!