Northumberland engineering manufacturer sets sights on global growth

A Northumberland engineering specialist is developing a global reputation for its engineering solutions.

Osbit, which is based at Riding Mill, is growing its international reach following the completion of a project in South East Asia.

The firm recently delivered a pile gripper system which is being used to install monopiles, the foundations that support offshore wind turbines, at an offshore wind farm in Taiwan - the first large-scale wind farm in the Taiwanese market.

Osbit joint managing director Brendon Hayward commented: “To deliver this project spec, on budget and on time, was down to good planning and, without doubt, the skill and determination of our team who overcame a host of challenges, not least the restrictions the COVID pandemic placed on how they could safely operate.

“Most of the equipment Osbit makes is manufactured in the North East, but because of restricted travel and the cost of shipping materials to South East Asia, our project team instead set up in Singapore and over the course of 34 weeks delivered the pile gripper for installation on a vessel that is capable of handling the largest monopiles in the world.”

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is working with Osbit on expanding its international work in offshore energy markets.

Victoria Gemmill, of the DIT Northern Powerhouse Regional Team, said: “Osbit is a great case study of how to successfully operate in overseas markets.

“Undaunted by the restrictions placed upon this potential project by the most dangerous pandemic in living memory, the company developed sensible, safe procedures and protocols to overcome every obstacle placed in its path to deliver what is one of the most exciting and innovative offshore projects in the world.

“The gripper project is an incredible feat of engineering and skill and is literally laying the foundations for a cleaner, greener planet.”

Richard Baker, strategy & policy director at North East LEP, added: “Osbit is a fantastic North East business, harnessing all of our traditional regional skill in engineering and adding that spark of creative inspiration to elevate it above others operating in its field.

“As the global economy shakes free of the shackles of COVID, I hope other businesses will be inspired by what Osbit achieved, against the odds, to deliver this important, pioneering project.”

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