Northumberland engineering company Osbit has launched a base in the US as it taps into the country’s burgeoning offshore wind sector.
The Riding Mill-based company, an offshore wind technology developer, was taken over by Yorkshire-based Venterra Group last October and has since seen huge growth, increasing its workforce by more than a third across its two North East bases. Now the company has announced it has significantly expanded its US footprint, adding to its Port of Blyth and Riding Mill locations and tenancy at OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft, to meet demand.
Set up in 2010, the business has completed the first stage of its US growth strategy and is now fully operational under its new US entity, Osbit Inc in Rhode Island and Delaware. The subsidiary has been created to support the company’s ongoing engagement with the local supply chain and regional authorities.
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As part of its plans, Osbit has also appointed its existing business development colleague Dustin Varnell as US country manager to lead its team’s efforts on the ground and handle current opportunities. Mr Varnell is now based at a new facility Osbit has taken on in Providence, Rhode Island, a growing offshore wind hub. The company is operating out of an office at CIC Providence, which is home to a rising number of offshore wind-focused businesses.
Osbit is currently developing a range of equipment to suit the specific needs of the US wind market. Osbit is now working in collaboration with many of its fellow member companies in the US region, as it looks to play a leading role in the industry’s rapid expansion, with Venterra Group’s continued backing.
Chris Jones, business development director at Osbit, said: “We have long been excited about the fantastic developments coming in US offshore wind, and the steps we’re now making cement Osbit’s commitment to supporting its growth. Osbit has been supplying offshore equipment to enable blue economy development for over twelve years now and we are really enjoying collaborating with and sharing our expertise with stakeholders across the US industry.”
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Mr Varnell, Osbit’s new US country manager, added: “Osbit Inc. is in a great position to help solve engineering and construction challenges for US offshore wind. Our unique approach to partnering with local companies and our expertise with a proven track record have put us in a great position to support customers here in the US.”
Earlier this year Osbit won a Queen’s Award for Innovation. The company also completed a huge subsea trenching vehicle in September that will used on offshore wind farm projects. The firm built the Swordfish for Luxembourg vessel operator, Jan De Nul over the course of a year, design and building the piece of kit to help bury cables in the ocean.
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