Metec UK, based in South Shields, has secured two major export contracts, collectively worth more than £4.5 million. The largest of the two contracts will see the company supply sacrificial anodes to an offshore wind farm in the North Sea, set to power over three million homes in the UK.
The second contract involves the supply of sacrificial anodes to a major offshore substation. This news follows Metec UK’s best year in business in 2024, with both pre-tax profits and turnover hitting record highs. The growing demand for the company’s sacrificial anodes, which protect steel monopile and jacket foundations from corrosion, has been driven by the global shift towards renewable energy. These products are also used in the oil, gas, LNG, marine, and shipping industries.
Paul Wheeler, technical director at Metec UK, expressed his excitement, saying, “These two new contracts are fantastic news for the business. Following our best year to date, they will help us continue growing and create more opportunities for local people. It’s a perfect start to the new year.”
Since establishing its first UK manufacturing hub eight years ago, Metec UK has created 35 jobs in South Tyneside. With the new contracts, the company plans to create eight more jobs and offer 10 work placements through its ongoing partnership with South Tyneside College.
Simon Cross, production manager at Metec UK, said, “Since setting up the UK business, it has grown to become the group’s main renewables arm. South Tyneside has become a key hub for renewables, benefiting from a skilled workforce and a growing number of businesses relocating here.”
Cross also highlighted the company’s collaboration with South Tyneside College, noting that over the next year, they will create 10 work placements for local students, with hopes some may later join the company.
Metec UK’s recent expansion has been supported by a £50,000 grant from South Tyneside Council, funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant will be used for the installation of solar panels, retrofitting the building, and purchasing new foundry tooling to boost production capacity.
Wheeler added, “We aim to generate half of our energy from renewable sources in the coming years. This grant will help us increase capacity, purchase new tooling, and deliver on these new contracts. We are grateful to the Council for their ongoing support, which has been crucial to our growth.”
Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, praised Metec UK’s success, stating, “Metec UK is a great example of our thriving renewable energy sector. The company’s global reach and growth showcase the potential of South Tyneside’s skilled workforce and established industry. We are proud to support them on their journey.”
