AJ Armstrong demonstrating how they’re integrating Social Value into their Business
29 June 2023 14:50
AJ Armstrong based in Maghera have been maintaining almost 500 items of plant and machinery for NI Water since October 2020 via the C1028 NI Water Plant and Machinery - Maintenance, Service and Repair Contract, which will be extended for a further 3 years until September 2026. As part of the C1028 contract, AJ Armstrong are creating opportunities through Social Value, by offering work experience with their skilled Plant Mechanics through local schools.
Rod Neill, Head of Customer & Operations Services, NI Water said, “The decision to extend this contract for another 3 years is testament to how NI Water and AJ Armstrong have worked collaboratively to ensure NI Water’s plant and machinery is maintained to the highest standard. Rod added, “We look forward to working even closer with the AJ Armstrong team over the next 3 years’ and seeing, first hand, the benefits that their new apprentice will bring.”
Forming part of the Social Value Unit within the Strategic Invest Board (SIB), Esther Barnes said, “AJ Armstrong have shown a strong commitment to Social Value which will make real positive change to their apprentice and their own organisation, I would encourage other organisations to promote best practice in delivering on Social Value in their contracts.”
Ruth Armstrong, Accounts Manager, AJ Armstrong said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver NIW’s maintenance service for another 3 years. We have ambitious plans for the next phase of this contract, which we are thrilled to announce, that it continues to include our social value commitments. Having engaged local schools we have been extremely enthused by their pledge in supporting us in the employment of an apprentice plant mechanic. Ruth continued, “Our relationship with NI Water continues to flourish and I have no doubt that with the inclusion of our apprentice supporting this contract – our delivery of this contract will continue to deliver on our promises.”