RYEDALE cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has secured a second specification for a National Grid project that is ensuring the continuation of a safe and secure electricity supply to Greater Manchester.

The Woodhead Tunnel, which runs from Dunford Bridge to Woodhead in the Peak District National Park, is being used to carry high voltage cables that will form part of a 400,000-volt transmission system carrying power between National Grid substations at Thorpe Marsh, near Doncaster, and Stalybridge.

Already installed in the HV tunnel are cable saddles designed and manufactured by Rillington-based Ellis, which are now being joined by the company’s 2A aluminium clamps.

Paul Nolan, Ellis’ UK sales director, said: “The Centaur cable saddle was designed specifically for this type of project and has proved to be a huge success.

“It secured our biggest ever order for National Grid’s London Power Tunnels in 2012, and is now being specified for HV tunnels around the world.

“Our intention when we brought our enhanced range of 1A and 2A bolt aluminium clamps to market last year was for them to be targeted directly at the HV power tunnel market – and to date this is paying dividends.”

The entire range of Ellis’ clamps is diecast from aluminium using tooling that Ellis designed and manufactured in-house.