Downer wins $142m Pilbara deal

Engineering and infrastructure services firm Downer EDI has been awarded a $142 million contract to carry out electrical work on a resource project in the Pilbara.

"This win extends Downer's position as the leading electrical and instrumentation provider in the west and demonstrates confidence in Downer's ability to deliver on large-scale projects," chief executive Grant Fenn said in a statement.

The electrical and instrumentation work would start in late 2011 and completion expected by the second quarter of 2013, the company said.

As of June 30, Downer had about $20 billion worth of work in hand, with $7.5 billion in mining, $5.2 billion in rail, $5.2 billion in works and $2.2 billion in engineering.

A Downer spokesperson said the client had requested its identity remained confidential.

Meanwhile, Downer has appointed John Sheridan as its new chief operating officer for its Western Australian operations.

Mr Sheridan has 20 years experience in the oil and gas sectors, notably as managing director of AusGroup and as president director of Clough’s Indonesian operations, and also general manager of Clough’s Thailand arm.

A Perth native, Mr Sheridan holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Western Australia.