British firm wins £277m Iraq contract

The engineering giant Amec has won a half-billion dollar contract to rebuild Iraq's power supply, the biggest deal won by a British firm, it was announced today.

The company, which won the £277 million contract in partnership with US firm Fluor, said it was "delighted" at its success.

The power deal is one of 10 major design and build contracts, paid for by the US Government, due to be announced in the next few weeks.

Brian Wilson, the Prime Minister's special envoy on iraq reconstruction, said: "This is excellent news for Amec, British industry and above all, the Iraqis who very much want to see a strong British involvement in the reconstruction process.

"British companies have also done well in winning management contracts for this massive US-funded programme.

"I have no doubt that, as decision-making and funding move towards the Iraqis themselves, the British contribution will continue to expand."