Aker Solutions opens a new office in Johannesburg in the Republic of South Africa. The new operation, based within the Microsoft building in Bryanston, will enable the company to offer its full range of engineering and construction capability to the South African market, with primary focus initially on the mining and metals, and the nuclear markets.

Jarle Tautra, executive vice president of Process & Construction, Aker Solutions, says: "South Africa represents an important market for us in respect of our strong metals and nuclear offering. Aker Solutions has considerable expertise built upon a proven track record in both these industries. The new operation gives us the essential proximity to effectively deliver engineering and construction solutions to our key global customers as they expand there."

"The metals market in South Africa offers many exciting prospects particularly within copper, iron ore and gold projects. The nuclear new build programme underway there will also provide specific opportunities aligned to our nuclear expertise," adds Tautra.

Aker Solutions' extensive track record within the nuclear industry consists of providing engineering services to civil public sector nuclear sites in the UK. Current activities are centred around remediation, decommissioning and clean up of the historic nuclear legacy. Aker Solutions is one of few companies with the necessary expertise to find and deliver safe, sustainable and environmentally-sound solutions to the challenges of nuclear clean-up and waste management.

Aker Solutions is in the process of recruiting key personnel locally to support the new operation, and is also committed to actively engaging with the local supply chain.

Aker Construction Ltd (Stevenage) is the legal entity of the new operation in South Africa.

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