HUNDREDS of North-East jobs could be created at the former base of a wind turbine parts maker.

The Tag Energy Solutions’ (TAG) site, in Haverton Hill, near Billingham, has been bought by Danish steel construction firm Bladt Industries and German steel company EEW Special Pipe Constructions.

Bosses say they aim to create an initial 100 jobs, with plans to increase the number to about 350 posts.

It is hoped a number of the positions will go to local workers, including many ex-TAG staff.

The new joint company will be known as Offshore Structures (Britain) Limited, with up to £30m expected to be spent on upgrading the factory.

TAG, hailed as one of the jewels in the region’s renewable energy industry crown at its opening in 2011, was put up for sale after its order book thinned.

Backed by £3m grants from the Department for Energy and Climate Change and regional development agency One North East, TAG made foundation poles for the Humber Gateway wind farm, in East Yorkshire, and had hoped to employ 400 workers.

However, after creditors called in loans and staff were paid off, the plant was mothballed.

Bladt makes foundations and substations for offshore projects, as well as topsides and jackets for oil and gas projects, with EEW supplying large pipework for similar work.

Jan Kjærsgaard, Bladt Industries’ chief executive, said he was delighted with the deal.

He said: “By taking this step, we are bringing our unique experience to the UK and creating a strong platform for our continued growth in the UK market.

We will contribute our significant offshore wind experience gathered over the course of more than ten years in the industry and through our track record of more than 1,300 offshore foundations and 14 offshore wind substations.”

Karl Kloes-Hein, EEW managing director, added: “This is further growth of our business in one of the most important markets in Europe.

“Since our inception in 2008, we have become one of the world leading companies in the field of fabrication of monopiles and transition pieces for offshore wind foundations.

“We have executed and supported more than 25 key wind projects in Europe and the US and will contribute our outstanding experience of serial production for large pipes to the UK.”

Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, who previously voiced concerns over the TAG site’s future and waste of its equipment, said the deal was a fantastic boost for Teesside’s offshore industry.

He added: “It is tremendously good news that TAG will soon be up and operating again and I hope we will see the business develop to create the large numbers of high quality jobs that are predicted.

“Local and national organisations have worked hard to secure this sale and investment but much more still needs to be done if Teesside and the whole of the North-East is to reap real long-term dividends from the wind farm industries.”