PICS: Duke of York visits Worksop's Explore Industrial Park

Prince Andrew, patron of the Institution of Civil Engineers, visited the Laing O’Rourke facility in Steetley and spoke to the team about the development and integration of its Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach.

As part of the visit, The Duke of York also learned about Laing O’Rourke’s vision for precision-engineered offsite homebuilding, and the mock-up of a Crossrail Station showing how construction components were being used in the field. He was briefed on how the UK construction industry is addressing some of the skills and innovation challenges.

Paul Westbury, Laing O’Rourke Group technical director, said: “It was a huge privilege for us to welcome The Duke of York to Explore Industrial Park.

“His Royal Highness is a real champion of UK construction and engineering and we were proud to show him how offsite manufacturing and assembly can create efficiency and productivity, as well as deliver new skills and exciting technical career paths to our industry.

“Modern methods of construction will play an important role in meeting the productivity and output challenges facing the UK and we are always pleased to be able to demonstrate how it works in practice.”

During his visit The Duke of York met with local dignitaries as well as with Laing O’Rourke’s senior leaders, apprentices, graduates and ambassadors.

Explore Industrial Park currently employs 400 people from the area, with this number set to increase as the business continues to invest in its offsite manufacturing capability.