An employee has reminisced on his time at a Ruthin-based civil engineering firm.

Gruffydd Rowlands, who has worked his way up within Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said that he has first-hand experience of the benefits of having a construction company on his doorstep.

The 27-year-old hails from Waunfawr, in Gwynedd, which accounts for more than 15 per cent of the firm's 500-strong workforce.

Mr Rowlands said: "Growing up in the county, you frequently see Jones Bros, whether that is signage highlighting the latest activity or the now famous green vans.

"They are known locally for large-scale, exciting schemes, including in the increasingly important renewables sector, and offer fantastic career progression.

"In the space of six years, I’ve progressed from a summer placement to graduate project civil engineer, project civil engineer, senior project civil engineer, and now sub-agent.

"Add the fact that you get to work on projects that have a positive impact on the community in which you live, as well as your family and friends, and it is special."

An example of a project that has had a community impact is the £139m Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass.

The first major on-site experience for Mr Rowlands, then a graduate civil engineer, was the A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd, whose commemorative plaque is picturedThe first major on-site experience for Mr Rowlands, then a graduate project civil engineer, was the A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass, whose commemorative plaque is pictured (Image: Supplied)

Around 23 businesses and 85 suppliers from close to the scheme were engaged, and around £1.7m was spent in Wales as the workforce patronised shops, services, and companies.

Mr Rowlands said: "It’s wonderful for young people from across North Wales to be able to work on developments of such magnitude.
 
"Playing a part on the bypass build is certainly something I will reflect on for years to come."

Jones Bros' other projects include annual dredging in Pwllheli, as well as ongoing work at RAF Valley, Parc Cybi Holyhead, and Ffestiniog and Dinorwig power stations.

Mr Rowlands added: "On most jobs, you meet apprentices who hail from Gwynedd and Anglesey across to Flintshire and Wrexham, and that highlights the positive impact Jones Bros has in the region."

Jones Bros is currently working on contracts in sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management, and renewable energy throughout the UK.

More information is available at www.jones-bros.com.