A Decade Since Drax: Structural Steelwork for UK Infrastructure Projects

It’s been ten years since SCH Site Services took on a landmark project that continues to stand tall in our history; our involvement in the development of Drax Power Station in Selby, North Yorkshire.

Back in 2014, we were engaged to erect 1,000 tonnes of gantry steelwork at what is still one of the UK’s largest and most vital power generation sites. Working alongside Shepherd Construction, we delivered critical steel structures that supported Drax’s transition from coal to biomass, a shift that required exceptional precision, logistical planning, and site expertise.

A National Energy Effort - Structural Steelwork for UK Infrastructure Projects

This wasn’t your average structural job. The work demanded high-stakes coordination in a high-pressure environment. Our teams dealt with strict regulations, compact site conditions, and complex lifting requirements, including operating the largest crawler crane in the country at the time.

To put it in perspective, you could stand upright in its tracks, and it was capable of lifting over 100 tonnes of gantry steelwork at more than 100 metres in radius.

What Followed? More Trust, More Work

The success of that initial phase led to SCH being awarded additional work at the site, fabricating and installing a series of industrial buildings, as well as the secondary steelwork for the gantries and neighbouring infrastructure. It was a major endorsement of our approach and capabilities, and a stepping stone to future large-scale projects across the UK.

Supporting National Infrastructure

Drax wasn’t just a construction milestone, it represented something much bigger. Our contribution supported a key facility in the UK’s energy network, helping to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability for power across the country. Knowing our work had such a direct connection to national infrastructure remains a source of immense pride for our team.

How It Shaped SCH

The Drax project arrived at a pivotal time for SCH. We were growing fast, gaining traction in larger industrial and infrastructure work, and looking to prove our ability to operate at the highest level. This project gave us the platform to do just that and ultimately helped shape the future direction of our business.

Ten years on, we’re still partnering with major contractors, still working on complex, high-profile jobs, and still delivering quality steelwork that stands the test of time.

The Drax project was, and always will be, one of the standout moments in our journey… a moment that proved what SCH is made of.