A global giant involved in Abu Dhabi's celebrated Formula One Grand Prix circuit has revealed it is in “confidential talks” on potential projects in Cumbria.

KBR, previously known as Kellogg Brown and Root, is an American engineering, defence and logistics specialist which was recently appointed project manager for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset with EDF Energy.

Known for delivering programme management, operational support and facilities management to clients world-wide, KBR now has its sights firmly set on Cumbria.

Chris Lavery, north west regional director with KBR, said: “We believe our company is a perfect fit for Cumbria.

“The make-up of Cumbria’s business base and the challenge of ensuring that the county’s infrastructure and skill sets are resilient and appropriate to the opportunities facing Cumbria are why KBR sees the area as perfectly suited to our core strengths.”

Based in Houston, Texas, KBR runs its substantial European, African and Middle-East business from Leatherhead, Surrey, where it employs about 3,000 people.

Mr Lavery added: “We have grown from an engineering business dominated by the oil and gas sector to a multi-faceted group working across defence, energy, infrastructure and logistics on every continent.

“We know Cumbria and our preferred business model is to work in partnership with major companies and the public sector.

“We are already in confidential talks locally on several potential projects. We feel very excited by the prospect of working here”.

The company is no stranger to Cumbria. In 2004 gas supplier Centrica and energy firm DONG Energy contracted KBR to lead on the engineering, design, procurement and installation of Barrow's Walney Wind Farm.

Last year KBR announced a major extension of its work for the Ministry of Defence under the Allenby/Connaught programme.

This is the largest infrastructure PFI contract ever issued by the MoD.

It has also worked at the Yas Island Grand Prix development in Abu Dhabi since 2009.