A PUCKLECHURCH electrical control company is doing its bit to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

The company is working alongside Public Health England as they design and manufacture control panels for ventilation systems to be used in testing laboratories for Covid-19.

CL Controls Systems, based in Pucklechurch, have worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic, manufacturing and installing critical electrical systems for essential services.

The specialist firm produce Building Management System control panels for heating, ventilation and air conditioning units in hospitals, prisons, universities.

They also work with various other Government offices, including the MOD.

Their team of trained technicians also construct and commission telecommunication systems.

In simple terms, CL Electrical Control systems ‘build the hardware, that supports the software, that supplies the internet.’

Their existing contracts with hospitals across the country meant that during lockdown, their work became essential to ensure hospitals could continue to operate safely.

Established in 1976, CL electrical controls has steadily grown over the past 44 years, with two new directors, Shaun Base and Paul Smith joining the board, alongside Dave Holder and Steve Thompson in June 2019. With the new management team in place, CL has seen exponential growth over the last 12months.

The firm has doubled staff numbers, and have recently moved to a new site to accommodate work load.

During lockdown they only had to furlough six members of staff.

All six furloughed staff are now back in their workshop.

Steve Thompson, said: “We have had to prioritise workloads throughout lockdown,.

“We were fortunate to have not had to furlough many members of our staff, which allowed us to top up the wages of those we did have to.

“Our telecommunications systems became as critical as our ventilation systems.

“Various communications operators asked us to continue through the lockdown as our systems are key to the communication infrastructure. With so many people working from home, internet connection is paramount to the economy.

“We are pleased to have retained our entire workforce. With everyone back in the workshop, we have implemented measures to ensure our staff can safely adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“We have also made PPE available for all staff.”

Apprentice, Harvey Edwards, 18, said he has really enjoyed his training at CL Controls.

He is looking forward to becoming a fully fledged electrician at the end of his apprenticeship.

He said: “I have learnt lots at CL Controls, I really enjoy working here. I go out on site as well as learning in the workshop.

“At the end of my training I will be a qualified electrician.”

The company believe the key to success is their diverse team of electrical engineers and control panel technicians.

“We take on staff based on their ability to fit in and willingness to learn, not on what a CV says.

“Our team range from school leavers to people that are over pension age.

“We are looking forward to the next stages of our growth.” Paul Smith, added.

For more information of services available at CL Control Systems visit clelectricalcontrols.co.uk

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