The giant facility – the largest of its kind in the world, at over 800 m in length – will offer 1.13million sq ft of factory space for the production of monopiles up to 120 m in length, 15.5 m in diameter and weighing 3,000 tons which are used to support offshore wind turbines.
Construction will start next month with K2 Consultancy as construction manager.
The firm told the Enquirer: “K2 is Construction Manager on the project and the procurement of specialist trade contractors is at an early stage.
“Wilson James are appointed for logistics and we are in the final stages of appointing a piling contractor. All contractor appointments will include local labour targets.”
K2 has engaged a multi-disciplinary team including Ashton Smith Associates acting as architects, together with Clarkebond as civil, structural and geo-environmental engineers, and building services engineers, Waterman Group.
Nick Coke – Director of Project Management at K2 said: “This is a tremendously exciting project for us building on our strong experience in the industrial manufacturing sector.
“It gives us the opportunity to deliver a market-leading, world-class and pioneering facility that will kick-start much needed regeneration on Teesside.
“This brings some fresh challenges as the project requires us to deliver for a Korean client new to the UK.
“In order to fast-track the project and to allow SeAH to speed their product to market, we are leveraging our expertise in construction management, allowing work to start on site at the earliest opportunity.”
Waterman’s Managing Director for Building Services – North, Jonathan Purcell, added: “SeAH Wind’s sustainable manufacturing facility will help secure the north-east’s position as an alternative energy powerhouse, whilst providing an employment boost to the local region.
“This project is an exciting addition to our industrial portfolio which incorporates several alternative energy schemes including wind turbine blade and marine turbine cable factories, along with a range of other complex fabrication and manufacturing facilities across the UK.”
Overall completion is anticipated in 2024.