A CABLE cleat maker, founded by an RAF bomber pilot, has secured a deal to continue supporting a National Grid project.

Ellis is sending clamps to the Woodhead Tunnel, a former rail route running from south Yorkshire to the Peak District National Park.

It is being used to carry high voltage cables for a 400,000-volt power system between National Grid substations near Doncaster, and Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

The clamps order comes after Ellis sent saddles for the development, which are designed to hold cables in place and withstand short circuit forces.

Paul Nolan, Ellis’ UK sales director, said: “The Centaur was designed specifically for this type of project and has proved to be a huge success.

“It secured our biggest ever order for National Grid’s London Power Tunnels in 2012, and is now being specified for high voltage tunnels around the world.

“When we brought our enhanced range of aluminium clamps to market, they were targeted directly at the high voltage power tunnel market, and this is paying dividends.”

The contract is another high-profile for Ellis, which is based in Rillington, near Scarborough, and was set up in 1962 by former RAF bomber pilot turned plumber Arthur Ellis, who flew more than 90 missions in the Second World War.

Earlier this year, it made its French debut at Cannes, with an order to send cleats and straps to power supplier RTE for cables connecting substations in the city’s La Bocca area.

It has also supplied cleats to the King Abdulaziz International Airport, near Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, and The Shamiya Haram, which is part of the holy mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.