TAG Energy Solutions has announced its new £20million offshore wind turbine tubular production facility has gone online.

Following a nine-month build programme at the site in Haverton Hill, Billingham, TAG Energy Solution will begin the production of large diameter cans for offshore windmill foundations.

Featuring more than £8 million worth of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, the 6,920 square metre building operates a fully-automated manufacturing system to roll and weld large diameter tubulars used in the construction of offshore wind turbine jacket and monopile foundations.

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The facility has the capacity to produce 100,000 Tonnes of tubulars per annum.

Constructed in readiness for the Round 3 offshore wind developments and current European opportunities, the facility is the first of its kind in the UK and recruitment is continuing for the first tranche of its workforce.

As part of the recruitment of its core workforce, the company has recruited six new production operatives.

To meet future contract demand it is expected that the facility will have a workforce in the region of 100 growing to 400 to meet specific project requirements.

The completion of the facility demonstrates TAG ES intention to secure a strong position in the offshore wind supply chain. The company is confident that offshore renewable energy sector will become a core part of the global energy mix and is currently developing relationships with international developers to help secure future contracts.

With extensive experience in the oil & gas sector, TAG ES refocused its capabilities into the offshore renewables industry after the company secured funding to supplement its own investment of several million pounds.

With the backing of significant private sector investment from Platina Partners and Environmental Technologies Fund (ETF), as well as grant support from the Department for Energy and Climate Change and One North East, TAG ES has created a world-class, cutting-edge facility.

Alex Dawson, Chief Executive of TAG Energy Solutions, said: “We are very proud to see our vision for this facility become a reality. The support we have received from our investors has been second-to-none as they share our passion for renewable energy and the potential it has to become a sustainable and effective part of the world’s energy resources.”

He added: “This is also a significant moment for the North East of England energy sector as it reaffirms the region’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities for the 21st Century. This region’s engineering heritage is world-renowned, but now we are among a select group of companies that is starting a new industrial chapter for the North East.