By Graeme Bletcher

A GLENROTHES company has landed a £3 million Ministry of Defence contract to supply fibre-optic technology for two new Royal Navy aircraft carriers.

Brand-Rex design and develop sophisticated cabling and equipment which is used in the communications industry and in extreme environments such as combat zones.

The deal comes just a month after it was announced that Murray Capital would take over as the company’s major investor in a move worth almost £30 million over the next three years and beyond.

MoD chiefs selected Brand-Rex for its market-leading air blown fibre system that allows the difficult installation of optical cables used for electronic data transfer within the ships.

Chief executive officer of Brand-Rex Paul Lines said, “I am delighted with the award of this contract and, beyond the obvious kudos, it serves as an excellent illustration of the many benefits blown fibre offers for new network installations across all industry sectors.

“These vessels are built with an expected 50-year operational life span and the network has to be able to anticipate future needs and support new innovations as they come on stream,” Mr Lines added.

Noel McNulty is managing director of Carillion IT Services, who will provide management and installation services on the project.

He said, “An 18-month design phase aimed at de-risking the project will commence almost immediately.

“The combination of our vast experience with this technology, having been a Brand-Rex partner for over 15 years, and proven ability in the defence sector will benefit us to meet the challenges of this strategic project—the biggest British military ships ever built.”

Brand-Rex has enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes over the last few years, with the management team having steered the group back on track after a difficult period.

Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick said, “A contract like this will mean security for the workforce and that’s to be welcomed.

“It’s really, really good news for Brand-Rex and for all the existing workforce.”

Other MoD contracts awarded nationwide include the supply of over 80,000 tonnes of steel at an estimated value of £65 million; equipment for the production of fresh water onboard the ships costing over £1 million; and aviation fuel systems totalling around £4 million.