16 Jun 2026
Powering Progress: Shotton Mill Advances into Next Phase
Shotton Mill Limited has reached a major milestone in its £1.4 billion redevelopment, successfully energising the 11kV electrical supply between the Combined Heat & Power (CHP) facility and the Paper Mill Building.
This achievement represents a critical step forward in the project, marking the transition from a predominantly construction-focused site into a live construction and commissioning environment. It brings the project significantly closer to operational readiness and full-scale production.
To support this important transition, Shotton Mill, together with principal contractor John F Hunt Regeneration, delivered a comprehensive project-wide Safety Stand Down. More than 1,600 personnel from over 60 contractor, client, and partner organisations participated, reflecting both the scale of the project and the importance placed on ensuring a safe working environment.
The stand down was designed to ensure that all personnel clearly understood how site conditions have fundamentally changed following energisation, with live electrical infrastructure now present across key areas of the site. The sessions reinforced the need for heightened awareness, strict controls, and disciplined behaviours as the project progresses into this new phase.
Key messages included:
- Awareness and respect for live electrical systems and restricted areas
- Strict adherence to Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) procedures
- The importance of avoiding assumptions and maintaining constant vigilance
- Reinforcement of the “Four Pillars” approach: Be Prepared, Follow the Plan, Pause and Assess, Take Action
- A shared responsibility for safety across all levels of the workforce
At the heart of the stand down was a clear and consistent message: no task, programme pressure, or deadline is more important than ensuring everyone returns home safely.
Dr Sabri Cimen, Chief Executive Officer of Shotton Mill Limited, said,“This energisation milestone represents a major step forward for Shotton Mill and demonstrates the scale of progress being made across the project. As we transition into the next phase, it is essential that our focus on safety remains uncompromising. The Safety Stand Down reinforced a simple but vital message to everyone on site: the job has changed, and we must continue to work together, follow our processes, and prioritise safety above all else. We are building a world-class facility, and we must do so in a way that protects every individual involved.”
The Safety Stand Down also included a formal Leadership Commitment Declaration, where project leaders, supervisors, and health and safety professionals reaffirmed their responsibility to uphold the highest safety standards. This visible commitment will play a key role in maintaining a strong safety culture as the project continues to evolve.
As Shotton Mill moves closer to commissioning and start-up, the scale and ambition of the transformation continue to accelerate. Alongside this progress, the project remains firmly focused on delivering safely, responsibly, and collaboratively ensuring that safety remains the foundation of every stage of development.
