Atkins brings ground breaking virtual reality technology to Westlakes
2 min read
Cumbria’s position as a hub for new technology was cemented today as Trudy Harrison MP and Sue Hayman MP launched a new, dedicated virtual reality (VR) suite at Atkins’ office on the Westlakes Science and Technology Park.
Dave Wilson, market lead for decommissioning North in Atkins’ Energy business, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Trudy and Sue with a number of our key clients and suppliers to Rutherford House and to give them the chance to experience this immersive technology first-hand. Atkins’ approach to using this kind of virtual reality and other digital engineering technology is proving a huge success in enhancing safety and saving money for our clients in both the design and operations of critical infrastructure projects here in Cumbria, and across the UK.”
Trudy Harrison, MP, said: “I was delighted to attend the celebration of two years at Rutherford House, marking also 30 years of Atkins in Copeland. The commitment that Atkins has made to the area and our community is outstanding. During the visit, I tried their newly developed Virtual Reality technology which is a breakthrough in supporting projects in difficult to access environments. This technology is truly at the forefront of innovation, making clean-up operations in the nuclear, oil and gas industries safer and swifter. Atkins is a fine example of a global company making a very significant local contribution and driving innovation.”
Sue Hayman, MP, said: “I’m delighted to support Atkins in their investment into our local communities in West Cumbria, and to see how they have gone from strength to strength in recruiting young people and particularly girls through apprenticeships and working closely with our local schools and colleges. I’m also pleased to see the investment in our local supply chain and their innovative use of new technologies.”
Atkins recently celebrated two years since the new office at Rutherford House opened and 30 years after Atkins established a presence in Cumbria. Home to Atkins’ nuclear business in the north of England since 1987, the office is a key part of Atkins’ global business and is now a hub for Atkins’ infrastructure and energy businesses in West Cumbria. Over the last 30 years we have been supporting flood defence, water, waste management, transportation, energy and education projects across the wider region.
For more information about Atkins, visit www.atkinsglobal.com
