Motherwell set to sue two Swiss firms

Motherwell Bridge Construction has launched a High Court action to recover nearly £5m the firm claims it is owed for a project in Erith, Kent.

Motherwell is suing Swiss companies Micafil Vakuumtechnik and Micafil AG for £4.85m for damages for breach of contract. The steelwork firm claims that work on the project was disrupted and delayed because of a lack of instructions and because the Swiss companies hindered Motherwell and preventing it from carrying out its duties in an orderly way. This added to the cost of Motherwell's work.

Throughout the project, Motherwell said it continuously told Micafil of its plan to claim extra money because of the delays. But Micafil failed to make any more payments for the final account and for the loss and expense suffered, says the writ.

Motherwell was subcontracted to build an autoclave and eight oil tanks at the Erith works of BICC Cables. Work started in March 1998 but the original contract was varied and amended.

Motherwell blames Micafil for the delays which it says resulted from incorrect information, variations, and because it did not receive all necessary instructions, drawings and details in time.