A SUPPLIER of portable cabins is celebrating after landing a £10 million contract with a national builder.

Wernick Hire, based on Crown Lane in Horwich, has announced an exclusive three-year contract as sole supplier of its unique anti-vandal flexible modular system to Exeter-based Rok plc.

The contract will see Wernick Hire deliver high spec temporary portable cabins to Rok sites across the UK.

Developed by a Rok and Wernick joint working party, the AV flex units were chosen for their reputation for security, with a vandal resistant welded steel exterior, featuring fitted deadlocks and heavy duty security shutters.

Michael Thistlethwaite, Wernick director, said: "The flexible nature of the internal fit-out, was particularly attractive to Rok.

"Buildings can be open plan or partitioned to create individual office space or communal staff areas. The unique AV flex units can fit together without the need for linking corridors, creating a more compact site footprint whilst providing a flexible open plan work environment.

Martin Evans, procurement advisor for Rok, played a key role in negotiating the new contract. He said: "Wernick Hire has been appointed as sole supplier of temporary accommodation to Rok because of its ability to supply the unique anti-vandal flexible modular system.

"Our CEO Garvis Snook, is keen to recreate on-site the look of our regional Rok Centres. They are lively, open-plan working environments, encouraging teamwork, promoting equality and acting as a reminder of our differentiation."

Mr Evans stressed that the company has a philosophy that its site staff should enjoy the same facilities enjoyed by office staff.

Following this successful collaboration and partnership working, Wernick has already invested £2 million in the new AV flex product, which will enable the company to transfer the design principles into lots of different areas.

Mr Thistlethwaite acknowledged that the contract shows real confidence on both sides.

He said: "Three-year contractual agreements of this nature are quite rare, and we feel this shows real commitment and confidence on both sides that we can deliver. "We are very pleased to be working so closely with the Rok team. "They possess an exemplary record of staff welfare and we are pleased to be contributing towards this in a positive way." Established in 1933, Wernick Hire is now the largest independent portable accommodation company in the UK, specialising in providing a wide range of cabins and modular buildings for hire or lease purchase. It has 27 depots located across Britain. Rok has over 3,300 employees across the UK with sales in excess of £550m. The company specialises in building contracts in the social housing sector. In 2005, Rok acquired Westhoughton-based builder Durose and Gourlay for £13 million.