Osbit Ltd, an offshore wind engineering company, recently opened an assembly and service facility at the Port of Blyth in the U.K. This development has created 33 skilled jobs for the region and represents a substantial investment in the North East’s clean energy economy.
The new 3,350-square-meter facility at the Port’s Wimbourne Quay boasts a build and test space four times larger than Osbit’s previous site, provides access to multiple heavy lift quays and can accommodate four times as many skilled workers in the adjoining office space. This expansion has already doubled the number of permanent positions at its assembly facility, enhancing Osbit’s capabilities in delivering offshore equipment in line with industry demand.
The construction of the new facility was made possible by a grant from the Business Growth Fund, which is funded by the Northeast Combined Authority, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, and Sunderland City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Osbit is part of Venterra Group, a U.K.-based global provider of offshore wind services dedicated to the mission of “helping wind power grow.” The new facility will enhance collaboration across Venterra’s portfolio of offshore wind companies, with meeting rooms and dedicated client hosting facilities reinforcing Osbit and Venterra’s role in supporting the U.K. supply chain and enabling the clean energy transition.
The Port of Blyth has been instrumental in the development of Osbit’s expanded facility. The project included the conversion of one of the port’s warehouses at their Bates Clean Energy Terminal into an engineering workshop for Osbit.
This transformation included the addition of offices and overhead cranes, allowing for enhanced operational capabilities. This investment highlights the Port’s commitment to supporting Osbit and its growth, ensuring a modernized space that fosters innovation.
Now fully operational, the facility has already contributed to the delivery of wind-farm installation tools, a floating offshore wind cable testing rig, and multiple offshore access gangways.
“Opening this new facility is a huge milestone for Osbit,” said Steve Binney, the Osbit director responsible for the site development. “We are now able to deliver multiple projects simultaneously, under one roof, and situate ourselves in prime position to meet the increasing demands of the industry. The adjoining facility also provides a satellite office for our rapidly-expanding team, enabling us to grow with the sector.”
“We’re delighted to support Osbit’s continued growth through significant investment in a larger, purpose-built facility at our Bates Clean Energy Terminal,” said Alasdair Kerr, Port of Blyth commercial director. “Relocating the company to this enhanced site not only enables greater operational capacity but also strengthens the long-standing partnership between Osbit and the Port.”
More info www.osbit.com
