A BOLTON engineering company has secured a £36m contract to supply fire doors for the HS2 rail link.

Booth Industries, which is based on Nelson Street, will provide high-pressure safety doors for the internal passages linking the high speed rail project’s tunnels.

The contract will see more than 300 units manufactured at a new purpose-built facility in the town, and create up to 50 jobs over the next ten years.

The safety doors will play a crucial role in the operation of the railway, sealing off the cross passageways between the separate north and southbound tunnels and giving access in the event of an emergency.

Mike Jenkinson, managing director of Booth Industries, said: “This is a landmark contract with a new customer, which recognises the extensive experience we have developed over years’ supplying high-integrity door sets for a range of infrastructure projects.

“Our designs will be manufactured at a new, purpose-built facility in Bolton, creating up to 50 skilled jobs in the area over the next decade.”

From their three sites in Bolton, Booths, which was established in 1873, has previously provided equipment for projects across the defence, infrastructure and industrial sectors – including similar safety doors for the Channel Tunnel rail link and Crossrail.

In total 303 doors and frames will be designed, manufactured and installed by Booth, using majority UK-made steel, across the 32 miles of tunnel between London and Crewe.

The doors will have to withstand the pressure waves caused by trains passing through the tunnel.

As well as making safety and security doors, the company produce blast windows, modular wall systems and blast relief panels.

HS2 Ltd’s procurement and commercial director, David Poole said: “As well as being one the world’s most reliable high-speed railways, HS2 also needs to be the safest. That’s why we’re delighted to be awarding this major contract to Booth Industries. Their impressive experience of delivering the highest quality in terms of safety and performance will play a vital role in delivering this crucial part of the HS2 project.

“This award also goes to show how HS2 is already supporting companies across the UK, creating jobs and helping the economy recover from coronavirus.”