Wyko wins substantial contract from Royal dockyard

Wyko has recently been awarded a new five-year contract by Devonport Royal Dockyard to supply power transmission and sealing components for maintenance, refits and new-build applications. Product availability and Wyko expertise were central to the contract being renewed. Profiled stock is held at the adjacent Wyko Plymouth branch and various Wyko technical staff - such as seal specialists - will remain frequent visitors to the 330-acre DML site.

DML employs about 4800 people and has an annual turnover of about £450million. There are 11 operational dry docks, five outfitting basins, and 5km of deep water berths. The company is a Prime Support Contractor to the Royal Navy, providing comprehensive through-life support for submarines, surface ships and equipments. DML undertakes in-service support and capability upgrades of existing vessels and systems and works at all stages of the life cycle from initial concept design through manufacture to installation, commissioning, operation and disposal.

11-year track record

Wyko plays a role in delivering virtually all these contracts and services. The Plymouth branch has been working with DML for 11 years and has built up a wealth of product and application knowledge, as well as developing logistics and administration systems that work with the customer to reduce cost and improve operational efficiency. The contract itself specifies the supply of bearings and sleeves, adhesives, lubricants, gaskets and seals, and NES O rings, all of which are part of a profiled stock, so common items can be supplied virtually instantly and 'listed' items on very short lead times.

Colin Northmore, Wyko Sales Manager and Account Manager for DML, comments: "Over and above the 'contracted' products that are listed above, we endeavour to capture more non-contract items across a wide spectrum. These include energy-savings schemes for the production facilities and our added-value work on many electro-mechanical items from motors and drives to gearboxes and innovative on-the-fly electrical testing of ships' systems. Although dependant on what contracts are won by DML, it is anticipated that turnover will be in excess of £1million per annum."

Today the DML Group offers a complete range of design, build and support services across both defence and commercial sectors. In addition to its traditional refit and maintenance role, DML is increasingly working at the earlier stages of major warship design and construction programmes. In the commercial arena, DML undertakes high-tech engineered composite work, overhauls railway equipment, and builds, converts and refits large yachts and specialist craft.

There is a wide range of marine services available nationwide from Wyko's network of distribution centres and specialist workshops, particularly as there is one situated near all major UK ports. In addition to product supply, Wyko has the capacity to carry out emergency ship repairs, via riding crews; all sizes of vessel now also have the convenient option of guaranteed repairs at their intended destination, rather than having to make unscheduled voyage deviations or incurring excessive layover periods. Services include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, pump and gearbox repairs, condition monitoring for pre-refit surveys, and worldwide product supply is also offered.