AN engineering firm has unveiled plans to create more than 100 jobs after securing a deal on the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
Wilton Engineering Services is working with Steelwind Nordenham on parts for Dong Energy’s Hornsea Project One.
Bosses say the tie-up has the potential to deliver up to 150 jobs across Port Clarencebased Wilton and the supply chain.
The contract, described as a multi-million pound agreement, will see Wilton help Germany’s Steelwind supply 20 transition pieces for Hornsea.
Transition pieces sit upon turbine monopiles and include platforms, boat landing areas and cable housing, which bosses say Wilton will be responsible for fitting.
The deal comes just days after fellow Teesside firm Offshore Structures (Britain) revealed it will make apparatus for Dong’s Hornsea endeavour and Bill Scott, Wilton chief executive, said he was delighted to see British companies playing an integral role in a UK development.
He also confirmed he expects the agreement to provide a boost for the region’s employment landscape.
He added: “We applaud Dong for leading the way in engaging with UK companies in a positive way, creating long-term opportunities.
“We also congratulate Steelwind for having the vision to create a collaborative platform, which will see our companies use our capabilities to the benefit of the project.
“This opportunity will see the creation of up to 150 jobs within Wilton and the local supply chain.”
Dong says Hornsea, based off the East Yorkshire coast, will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm and be capable of providing enough electricity for more than one million homes.
Duncan Clark, project director, said companies such as Wilton and Offshore Structures had more than proved their worth by securing work on the development, adding they could benefit from future export contracts.
He said: “As we work with more UK firms we’re really seeing the regional benefits, such as job creation and economic growth.
“For these firms, this could be the start of a lucrative journey as the offshore wind industry is growing very quickly.
“The growth is not limited to the UK so as well as supporting projects here, firms that are able to demonstrate their ability could potentially look forward to export opportunities too.”
Dr Ralf Hubo, Steelwind managing director, added: “This contract is the beginning of a long-term partnership with Wilton, who we have worked with before and know will deliver good quality services on time.”
Offshore Structures, which has rejuvenated the former Tag Energy Solutions plant, on the River Tees, at Haverton Hill, near Billingham, will make 56 transition pieces for Hornsea.
Bosses say the deal has secured around 200 jobs, with another 40 transition pieces due to be made in Denmark by Offshore Structures’ owner Bladt Industries.
Last month, The Northern Echo exclusively revealed Offshore Structures was in negotiations about extending work at its Haverton Hill plant after bringing production processes, such as concrete casting, to the region from Denmark.
The business previously secured orders from Dong to supply transition pieces for the Burbo Bank Extension wind farm, in Liverpool Bay, and the Walney Extension wind farm, off the Cumbrian coast.
Hornsea One has also provided the largest contract in the history of Hartlepool’s JDR, which will make and supply 150 miles of cabling for the development, with Darlington-based subsea company DeepOcean holding another contract to install nearly 100 cables.
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