SeAH Wind has successfully rolled its first steel can at its new Teesworks factory in the UK, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s journey to producing offshore wind monopiles. The 7.5-meter diameter steel can was rolled as part of pre-production trials, which will play a crucial role in the ramp-up to full production. The factory, situated on 120 acres of land within the Teesworks site in South Bank, is nearing the final stages of construction, with only 10% of the build remaining. This development represents a significant investment in the UK’s offshore wind industry and highlights SeAH Wind’s commitment to becoming a key player in the growing renewable energy sector.
The Teesworks factory, once completed, will span an impressive 1.1 million square feet and will stand at 40 meters high, 810 meters long, and 200 meters wide. It will be one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, dedicated to the production of monopiles—massive steel structures used to anchor offshore wind turbines to the seabed. These monopiles are essential for supporting the turbines that generate clean, renewable energy, making them a crucial component in the expansion of offshore wind farms.
The steel can that was rolled is a precursor to the full-scale production of the monopiles. SeAH Wind has employed state-of-the-art roll-bending machines, supplied by Hausler, to bend the steel plates into the necessary cylindrical shape. The process is being closely monitored by SeAH Wind staff, who are working alongside Hausler’s experts to ensure the machinery and manufacturing process are running smoothly. The production manager at SeAH Wind, Paul Martin, described this achievement as a "pivotal and significant milestone" for the company, as it signals the first successful step in a long and complex manufacturing process that will support the growth of offshore wind energy in the UK and beyond.
The success of these pre-production trials is vital, as it allows SeAH Wind to gather critical data on the manufacturing process. The company will continue to produce additional large-diameter sections, simulating the full-scale production process, in order to validate equipment and refine the manufacturing techniques. This pre-production phase is essential for ensuring that the factory will be ready for large-scale production and able to meet the demand for offshore wind monopiles as part of the UK’s green energy transition.
Once fully operational, the Teesworks facility will provide significant benefits to the local economy. The factory will support thousands of jobs and is expected to play a key role in the UK’s efforts to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals. The UK government has set a target of 40 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030, which will require the installation of thousands of new turbines. SeAH Wind’s new factory will help meet this demand, ensuring that the necessary monopiles are available to support these installations.
The Teesworks site is strategically located near the North Sea, one of the world’s most promising areas for offshore wind development. The site’s location allows for easy access to key shipping routes, making it ideal for manufacturing and exporting monopiles to international markets. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, SeAH Wind’s investment in the Teesworks facility positions the company to take advantage of new opportunities in the offshore wind sector, not just in the UK, but across Europe and beyond.
In addition to its strategic location and advanced manufacturing capabilities, SeAH Wind’s Teesworks factory is also a key part of the UK’s wider efforts to become a leader in renewable energy technology. The UK has been a pioneer in offshore wind development, and with SeAH Wind’s new factory, it is further solidifying its position as a global leader in clean energy. The factory’s focus on high-quality monopile production will support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector, providing the infrastructure needed to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy.
SeAH Wind’s first steel can roll is a major milestone in the company’s efforts to scale up production at the Teesworks facility. The successful completion of this phase will help ensure that SeAH Wind is ready to meet the demands of the expanding offshore wind industry. As the factory nears completion, the company is poised to make a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy future, supporting the country’s goal of becoming a net-zero economy by 2050.
The Teesworks monopile factory will not only provide a boost to the UK’s offshore wind capabilities but will also set a new benchmark for the industry. As one of the largest and most advanced facilities of its kind, it will play a central role in the development of the offshore wind sector, providing the essential infrastructure to support the next generation of renewable energy projects. SeAH Wind’s commitment to this project reflects its long-term vision of contributing to the global energy transition and driving the growth of the clean energy sector.
The road to full-scale production at the Teesworks factory is still in progress, but with this successful first steel can roll, SeAH Wind has proven that it is on track to become a key player in the offshore wind industry. With the continued development of the facility, the company is poised to meet the increasing global demand for clean energy and help build a more sustainable future.
