A COMPANY which employs about 300 people in Cumbria has announced a £125m nuclear deal.

Engineering consultancy Amec Foster Wheeler - which has offices in Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row and at Sellafield as well as staff based at Barrow's BAE Systems submarine yard - will provide support to French company EDF's reactors in the UK.

This news comes as the firm announced that a £2.2bn takeover with Aberdeen-based oil services company Wood Group had been approved by both firm's boards of directors.

The deal, if it goes ahead, is unlikely to affect Amec's Cumbrian operations, which deal mainly with nuclear projects, including in Sellafield and Barrow, as this part of the company is up for sale.

Clive White, president of Amec's clean energy business, said: “Amec Foster Wheeler’s deep technical knowledge and strong track record in project delivery are crucial to our continued support for EDF Energy’s UK stations, which are producing more electricity than at any time since 2003.

“Amec Foster Wheeler’s relentless focus on safety and efficiency is designed to maximise the value of our customers’ assets, and we look forward to working in close partnership with EDF Energy to ensure the safe, efficient, return on investment from its UK nuclear stations.”

Amec listed its nuclear division for sale in December and is expecting bids this month.