Delta makes light of the downturn

SPECIALISTS from Oldham-based Delta Obstruction Lighting are heading for Egypt as the firm continues to buck the downturn with its latest international venture — designing and installing an aircraft warning system.

The Wrigley Street, Greenacres, based business has secured the contract to illuminate two 150 metre cooling towers at the Cairo West Power Plant, which is currently under construction a short distance from downtown Cairo and is the country’s latest move to alleviate the strain on its over-stretched energy sector.

Managing director Tariq Mukhtar said: “We’re very happy to have won this contract because it has added another country to our portfolio, one that we see as a growth area in the coming years.

“This job will provide us with the opportunity to showcase our products in a place where they will be seen by millions of Egyptians.”

Delta was awarded the contract by Cairo West’s chief contractors, KEPCO, after a referral from associate company James Walker Townson (JWT), which worked closely with the firm on a number of high-profile UK jobs in the energy sector.

On JWT’s advice, KEPCO sent a representative to Delta headquarters to meet representatives and tour the Wrigley Street factory.

“It was a lightning quick visit but I’m pretty sure he was impressed by what he saw as we were awarded the contract immediately after he returned to Egypt,” said Mr Mukhtar.

When complete in 2011, Cairo West will supply a large section of Egypt’s capital city with its energy needs.

A fully comprehensive security system, accounting for every eventuality, is an absolute necessity and part of the strategy is ensuring the threat of incoming aircraft is avoided through an aircraft warning system.

Delta’s brief was to illuminate the power plant’s towers in a way that would exceed International Civil Aviation Regulations.

It proposed a system equipping each tower with low, medium and high intensity lights — 24 on each chimney. They were designed at Wrigley Street before being installed by sister company Delta International Steeplejacks.

Mr Mukhtar concluded: “A lot of our work comes from referral and this Cairo West job is a good example. We are delighted to be working in Egypt and hope to secure some more jobs in the country in the near future.

“You never know, one day they might ask us to light the pyramids!”