A well-earned retirement after two decades
8th October 2026
After more than 20 years with DAWSON-WAM, our long-serving piling rig operator Chris McErlain is hanging up the hard hat and heading into a well-earned retirement.
Chris has been a real character within the business, always smiling, always ready with a story, and a friend to many across DAWSON-WAM and the wider industry. More importantly, he has been a true master of his trade.
Whether installing sheet piles, secant walls or tackling some of our most challenging piling works, Chris brought skill, experience and pride to everything he did. Just as importantly, he had a knack for keeping site morale high, whatever the weather or the job in front of him.
To mark the occasion, the Bristol site team took Chris out for a steak dinner to celebrate his retirement and thank him for all the years, effort and laughs along the way.
Over two decades of service leaves a lot of projects, memories and friendships behind, and Chris will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside him.
From all of us at DAWSON-WAM, thank you for your dedication and hard work.
Enjoy your retirement, Chris, you’ve certainly earned it. Don’t be a stranger!!