Latest News & Insights

Alkemy Capital Investments plc has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Tees Valley Lithium Ltd (TVL), has agreed the terms of a 30-year lease with Sembcorp Energy UK for its lithium hydroxide processing facility at Wilton International in Teesside.
Tees Valley Lithium agrees long-term lease for lithium processing facility at Wilton International
Alkemy Capital Investments plc has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Tees Valley Lithium Ltd (TVL), has agreed the terms of a 30-year lease with Sembcorp Energy UK for its lithium hydroxide processing facility at Wilton International in Teesside. Agreeing terms for a long-term lease follows the granting of full planning permission in November and represents another significant milestone for TVL. Under the terms of an Agreement for Lease, which was signed today, TVL has an option for up to a year to enter into the agreed long-term lease, during which time it will conclude formalities with respect to financing and utilities and services. However, it is anticipated that these should be completed well in advance of the expiry of the option period.
Nova Pangaea Technologies will build their first commercial plant in Teesside, unlocking a critical pathway for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Nova Pangaea Technologies to build their first commercial plant in Teesside
Nova Pangaea Technologies will build their first commercial plant in Teesside, unlocking a critical pathway for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Nova Pangaea Technologies, the cleantech business sustainably delivering low-carbon fuels and products, is pleased to announce the signing of an Exclusivity Agreement and Heads of Terms with Sembcorp Energy UK, for exclusivity over a plot at Wilton International on Teesside. The plot will be home to Nova Pangaea’s first commercial plant, NOVAONE, and new headquarters. NOVAONE will be the UK’s first second generation bioethanol facility, with construction expected to begin in early 2023.
North East England's low carbon transport manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, from electric vehicle production in Sunderland to chemicals manufacturing for batteries at sites including Wilton International, in Teesside. We talked to Paul Butler, CEO at the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), to find out how the sector is changing, and how the North East cluster is leading the way.
Sustainability Industrial Cluster Inward Investment
From EVs to chemicals for batteries: on the growth of North East England's low carbon transport manufacturing supply chain.
North East England's low carbon transport manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, from electric vehicle production in Sunderland to chemicals manufacturing for batteries at sites including Wilton International, in Teesside. We talked to Paul Butler, CEO at the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), to find out how the sector is changing, and how the North East cluster is leading the way. How is the automotive sector changing as it transitions to low carbon technologies? ‘The biggest change for the automotive sector is obviously the move away from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric vehicles. This has been driven by legislation, meaning that by 2030 no new diesel or petrol cars can be sold in the UK. Then, by 2035, there’ll be an end to hybrid cars, which have been a useful bridging technology, whilst all new heavy goods vehicles in the UK will be zero-emission by 2040.
Dr David Hughes is an Associate Professor at Teesside University's Centre for Sustainable Engineering. As the Teesside cluster, including Wilton International, pursues its goal of becoming the UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster, we asked David about key Net Zero technologies, Teesside's sustainable future, and Teesside University's role in supporting industry's Net Zero transition.
Sustainability Industrial Cluster Energy & Utilities
In Interview: Teesside University’s Professor David Hughes on Net Zero technologies, decarbonising Teesside’s industrial cluster, and how the university is enabling the transition.
Dr David Hughes is an Associate Professor at Teesside University's Centre for Sustainable Engineering. As the Teesside cluster, including Wilton International, pursues its goal of becoming the UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster, we asked David about key Net Zero technologies, Teesside's sustainable future, and Teesside University's role in supporting industry's Net Zero transition. On Delivering Net Zero The UK has committed to decarbonising its electricity system by 2035 and delivering Net Zero emissions by 2050. To achieve these goals, what are the main challenges facing UK industry, including the Teesside cluster? ‘The main challenge is around the systems that enable businesses to work together. Decarbonisation is a complex project and needs to be considered at scale – at the level of cities or industrial clusters.
For the UK to meet its climate change target of Net Zero emissions by 2050, energy-intensive businesses and industrial sites must decarbonise. As Sembcorp Energy UK explores potential decarbonisation solutions and technologies for Wilton International, we take a look at the site’s sustainability journey so far…
Wilton International: the Sustainability Journey So Far
For the UK to meet its climate change target of Net Zero emissions by 2050, energy-intensive businesses and industrial sites must decarbonise. As Sembcorp Energy UK explores potential decarbonisation solutions and technologies for Wilton International, we take a look at the site’s sustainability journey so far… .section--timeline { padding-top: 0rem; max-width: 1200px; } .timeline { position: relative; margin: 0 auto; } .section--timeline::-webkit-scrollbar-track {background: #A8CCC5;} .section--timeline::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover {background: #007c5a;} .section--timeline::-webkit-scrollbar {width: 5px;} .section--timeline::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb{background: #353d3b;} .timeline::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 6px; background-color: #4bb6ff; top: 0; bottom: 0; left: 50%; margin-left: -3px; } .tlcontainer { padding: 10px 40px; position: relative; background-color: inherit; width: 49.5%; } .tlcontainer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 25px; height: 25px; right: -17px; background-color: white; border: 4px solid #4bb6ff; top: 15px; border-radius: 50%; z-index: 1; } .
Click on the Map Key to show available land types and uses, and development plots within Wilton International’s Freeport tax zone.
Wilton International’s 2022 Development Land Map: 185 Hectares of Plug & Play Industrial Land for Energy-intensive Businesses
Click on the Map Key to show available land types and uses, and development plots within Wilton International’s Freeport tax zone. #landmap{width: 100%;margin-bottom: -100px;} @media screen and (min-width:1088px) { #landmap{width: 60%;}} /* desktop */ Your browser does not support SVG Wilton International’s portfolio of available development land now includes: 185 hectares (458 acres) currently available, in plot sizes ranging from 1 to 27 hectares (2.5 to 66 acres) Greenfield and brownfield options, for heavy or light industrial uses Plots available within Wilton International’s Freeport tax zone The site’s unique offer to investing, energy-intensive businesses includes: Fully serviceable development plots, with ‘plug and play' energy, utilities and industrial infrastructure Flexible tenancies, tailored to customers’ specific requirements Pre-consented planning, for a range of heavy and light industrial uses Teesside Freeport tax zone incentives, potentially including Enhanced Capital Allowances and Business Rate Relief.
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Teesside Freeport: All the Key Facts - A guide to the Freeport and its benefits for investing industrial businesses
Teesside Freeport is the UK’s biggest Freeport and we think the best, further enhancing Teesside’s location offer to investing industrial businesses. This handy guide, for companies and our partners, provides all the key facts, including: How UK Freeports add value for businesses An overview of Teesside Freeport and its major assets The Tax and Customs benefits potentially available to businesses located within Teesside Freeport The specific benefits of Wilton International as an industrial site with Freeport tax zone status Download the Teesside Freeport Key Facts Slide Deck .
Sembcorp Energy UK welcomes Tees Valley Lithium, UK’s first Lithium Hydroxide Processing Facility on Teesside, to Wilton International
Wilton International Selected for the UK’s First Lithium Hydroxide Processing Facility
Sembcorp Energy UK welcomes Tees Valley Lithium, UK’s first Lithium Hydroxide Processing Facility on Teesside, to Wilton International UK, February 25, 2022 – Sembcorp Energy UK (SEUK) today announces an exclusivity agreement with Alkemy Capital Investments plc (“Alkemy”), whose wholly-owned subsidiary Tees Valley Lithium Ltd (“Tees Valley Lithium”) intends to bring their electric vehicle grade Lithium Hydroxide Chemical Processing Plant to Wilton International, within the Teesside freeport zone. Alkemy has signed a six-month exclusivity agreement with SEUK, in respect of land on which, subject to the completion of a feasibility study and entry into a formal lease, Tees Valley Lithium intends to construct the UK’s first lithium hydroxide plant on Teesside.
The Wilton International site is part of the Teesside Freeport, which opened for business in November 2021. So what exactly is a freeport, and how does it benefit businesses?
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What Teesside Freeport means for businesses
The Wilton International site is part of the Teesside Freeport, which opened for business in November 2021. So what exactly is a freeport, and how does it benefit businesses? What is a freeport? A freeport is a region of the country where special economic rules apply. It’s based around a seaport, or airport, but can extend over a large neighbouring area – up to 45km. It’s a form of SEZ (special economic zone) that allows businesses to manufacture, import and export within the UK border, but without the usual tax and customs restrictions. With the current freeport initiative, the Government aims to provide an economic boost as part of the nation’s post-COVID recovery, drive regeneration and “level up” the UK’s ports and historic industrial regions.
Anglo American chose Wilton International because they wanted a site that delivered the lowest environmental impact for their polyhalite fertilizer processing for the sustainable farming sector.
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Anglo American at Wilton International on Teesside
Anglo American chose Wilton International because they wanted a site that delivered the lowest environmental impact for their polyhalite fertilizer processing for the sustainable farming sector. Anglo American bring material from their mining facility through a custom-built tunnel under the North York Moors to their processing facility at Wilton International. Anglo American chose Wilton International because it met their requirement for the lowest environmental impact possible. ';" class="embed-container" style="background-image: url('https://res.cloudinary.com/wilton/image/upload/v1638371381/jenwilliamsangloamerican.jpg');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;"
The Teeside Freeport and Enterprise zone based around the Port of Tees is set to encourage businesses to invest in the region.
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Port of Tees - Freeport and Enterprise zone
The Teeside Freeport and Enterprise zone based around the Port of Tees is set to encourage businesses to invest in the region. Teesside Freeport has two sets of benefits. The custom zone benefits which offer simplified customs procedures for the import and export of material and the simplification of things like VAT, tax and duty. At Wilton International we actually have a tax site within the Freeport Zone which means there are capital allowance benefits and business rate holidays as well as incentives around national insurance payments for employers. Wilton has substantial infrastructure already in place in terms of power generation and other utilities and the plug-and-play nature of Wilton makes it a great choice for inward investment because companies can get new plant up and running so much quicker and don’t have to invest in all of that ancillary plant.
The move to E10 fuel means bioethanol producers like Wilton-based Ensus are at the forefront of future-proofing Britain’s transport system.
Sustainability Circular Economy Industrial Cluster
Ensus UK's E10 helps fuel a more sustainable future for UK motoring
The move to E10 fuel means bioethanol producers like Wilton-based Ensus are at the forefront of future-proofing Britain’s transport system. UK motorists have seen a move towards a more environmentally friendly way to travel with the introduction of E10 standard petrol in September 2021. The ‘E’ in E10 petrol is ethanol, a form of alcohol which is blended with petrol to create a fuel that helps reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles, compared with standard petrol. E10 became the standard petrol on most British forecourts from September 2021, with Northern Ireland adopting the change in early 2022.
Ensus has made a long-term investment in its business on Teesside and is now looking to the future with increased confidence following the introduction of a more sustainable form of petrol across the UK.
Inward Investment Sustainability
Ensus: Driving Towards a Brighter Future Following the Launch of a Cleaner Blend of UK Petrol
Ensus has made a long-term investment in its business on Teesside and is now looking to the future with increased confidence following the introduction of a more sustainable form of petrol across the UK. The company has opened a new £1.3m UK headquarters facility close to its biorefinery on the Wilton International site. The move means around 20 staff working at a leased former headquarters in Yarm will join the 80-strong team at the industrial site. Dr Thomas Kirchberg, Deputy Chairman of the supervisory board of CropEnergies cutting the ribbon assisted by Peter Kay, the Ensus UK Operations Director. In the background (left to right) are Jürgen Böttcher, Grant Pearson, Commercial Director of Ensus UK and Dr Georg von Graevenitz.
Sustainability Energy & Utilities Site Infrastucture
Rising To The Decarbonisation Challenge
Teesside is at the heart of the UK's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Here, Sembcorp Energy UK's Andy Koss and Matthew Scrimshaw, and PD Ports' Jerry Hopkinson, talk about ambitious decarbonisation goals and investments for Wilton International and Teesport - working with customers to demonstrate a clear road map to net zero carbon... ';" class="embed-container" style="background-image: url('https://res.cloudinary.com/wilton/image/upload/v1635934237/rising-to-the-decarbonisation-challenge.jpg');background-repeat: no-repeat;"
For businesses on the Wilton International site, Teesside’s established logistics infrastructure can delivers benefits immediately, and for the long term.
Industrial Cluster Logistics and Connectivity
Teesside delivers multimodal connectivity for businesses investing at Wilton International. Here’s how...
For businesses on the Wilton International site, Teesside’s established logistics infrastructure can delivers benefits immediately, and for the long term. Your browser does not support SVG Excellent logistics infrastructure is a key requirement for businesses investing in large-scale industrial facilities. It can also be prohibitively expensive to build from scratch. Which is why it usually makes sense for companies to invest in places where a concentration of industry has already given rise to a complex of freight transport infrastructure and services. In other words, it’s one of the reasons why investing businesses choose to locate within established industrial clusters.
With the largest, most diverse private wire electricity network in the UK, Wilton International is the ideal site for energy-intensive businesses requiring a large power supply and other specialised utilities, and strategies in place for Net Zero emissions energy generation.
Inward Investment Energy and Utilities Development Land
Investing industrial businesses can’t find the large power supplies they need. But here’s a UK site that delivers.
With the largest, most diverse private wire electricity network in the UK, Wilton International is the ideal site for energy-intensive businesses requiring a large power supply and other specialised utilities, and strategies in place for Net Zero emissions energy generation. Power – a headache for investing businesses For high energy use businesses, finding a site with a suitable grid connection can be difficult, time consuming and expensive, according to commercial property specialists Lambert Smith Hampton. “Industrial companies are struggling to find sites with large power supplies,” a company representative says. “It can take over a year for a supply to be installed and the capital outlay is significant”. It’s no surprise, therefore, that Peak Resources, to name just one recent investor, chose the site over international competitors for their multi-million pound investment in a minerals refining facility.
With its origins in the chemicals and process sectors, Wilton International’s energy, utilities, infrastructure, available land, and decarbonisation strategies make it an ideal site for a wide range of businesses with large power requirements.
Inward Investment Development Land Sustainability
The Wilton International Site is ‘Ready to Go’ For Energy-intensive Businesses Pursuing Sustainable Growth. Here’s Why…
With its origins in the chemicals and process sectors, Wilton International’s energy, utilities, infrastructure, available land, and decarbonisation strategies make it an ideal site for a wide range of businesses with large power requirements. Perhaps the first thing a visitor to Wilton International notices is the sheer scale of the site. At 2,000 acres (809 hectares) it’s vast, and home to an array of large-scale industrial operations including green energy generation, chemicals manufacturing, biofuels production and plastics recycling. Wilton International began as an integrated manufacturing site owned and operated by the chemicals giant ICI. Following that company’s business divestment programme in the 1990s and 2000s, the site’s energy and manufacturing assets were acquired by various international corporations.
In food production, sustainability is a big issue. According to the UK Government’s Food and Farming Report, many current global food production methods are unsustainable in the long term.<sup>1</sup> As a consequence, innovation is leading to new methods of producing and growing food for both humans and animals, and the businesses involved often have more in common with process industries than traditional agriculture. This has profound implications when it comes to site and location selection. For innovative food producers, the best location may well be a site more usually associated with chemical and process manufacturing.
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In the food production sector, the drive for sustainability is creating innovative businesses with very different site and location requirements.
In food production, sustainability is a big issue. According to the UK Government’s Food and Farming Report, many current global food production methods are unsustainable in the long term.<sup>1</sup> As a consequence, innovation is leading to new methods of producing and growing food for both humans and animals, and the businesses involved often have more in common with process industries than traditional agriculture. This has profound implications when it comes to site and location selection. For innovative food producers, the best location may well be a site more usually associated with chemical and process manufacturing. Global factors are driving the growth of innovation in food production. Forecasters suggest that there will be a 70% increase in calorific demand by 2050 due to growth in world population2. At the same time, countries are committing to decreasing the output of greenhouse gases, more than 25% of which come from agriculture, forestry, and land-use change2. Additionally, in developed nations there is demand for alternative proteins led by a swing towards plant based vegetarian and vegan diets, with research showing that about 30% of UK adults plan to eat more meat-free products in 2021 than in 20203.
Sustainability Energy & Utilities
8 Rivers Capital and Sembcorp Energy UK to collaborate on development of the UK’s first Net Zero emissions power plant – Whitetail Clean Energy
Whitetail Clean Energy is poised to be a 300MW NET Power station at Wilton International, Teesside, capturing and storing its carbon emissions offshore,creating a Net Zero emissions power plant. Major contribution to the ‘Levelling-up’ agenda with construction planned to commence following conclusion of engineering and the Governmental support process, potentially creating over 2,000 jobs during construction and 200 indirect and direct highly skilled jobs during operation.
Wilton International has been chosen as the site for the onshore electricity converter station for the Sofia Wind Farm – under development by RWE Renewables on Dogger Bank, 195km from the Teesside coast. Sofia will be one of the largest wind farms in the world as well as the furthest from shore. The two cables linking the offshore and onshore converter stations will form the world’s longest and most powerful High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system, and Wilton International site operator Sembcorp Energy UK is hosting the onshore construction. We spoke to Matthew Scrimshaw, the company’s Commercial Director, to find out more.
Sustainability Energy & Utilities Inward Investment
At Wilton International, construction of a crucial Onshore Converter Station for the £3 billion Sofia Wind Farm is about to begin
Wilton International has been chosen as the site for the onshore electricity converter station for the Sofia Wind Farm – under development by RWE Renewables on Dogger Bank, 195km from the Teesside coast. Sofia will be one of the largest wind farms in the world as well as the furthest from shore. The two cables linking the offshore and onshore converter stations will form the world’s longest and most powerful High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system, and Wilton International site operator Sembcorp Energy UK is hosting the onshore construction. We spoke to Matthew Scrimshaw, the company’s Commercial Director, to find out more. “This is a massive infrastructure project and Sembcorp are delighted that Wilton International has been chosen for part of this major investment,” Matthew said. “It’s one of the largest construction projects that Wilton International has seen in recent years and it’s very much in alignment with our commitment to decarbonise our industrial site. Two converter substations will be built on a 20-acre plot – the first for the Sofia Wind Farm, the second for the adjacent Dogger Bank C Offshore Wind Farm.
The biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sector is increasing its capacity in the UK to cope with the challenges presented by Covid-19. At the same time, Great Britain’s new trading relationship with the EU is causing many companies to reevaluate their supply chains. For businesses considering reshoring operations to the UK, Wilton International, at the heart of the North East’s biotech and pharma cluster, presents a strong site proposition.
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There’s a strong case for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals companies to invest in UK manufacturing operations. Here’s the case for the best location.
The biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sector is increasing its capacity in the UK to cope with the challenges presented by Covid-19. At the same time, Great Britain’s new trading relationship with the EU is causing many companies to reevaluate their supply chains. For businesses considering reshoring operations to the UK, Wilton International, at the heart of the North East’s biotech and pharma cluster, presents a strong site proposition. A challenging year for biotech and pharma companies Since early 2020, supply chains globally have been under great strain due to the effects of the pandemic on both trade and production. Biotech and pharma companies have faced the challenge of producing new vaccines, tests and treatments at a rate that would previously have been unthinkable, at a time when countries across the world have been under lockdown, with increasingly tight borders.
A successful hydrogen economy is an important part of the UK Government’s plan for a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’. But what could this mean for major industrial sites like Wilton International in Teesside? And how can site operators respond to the challenges this presents? We spoke with Natalie Lowery, Strategy Manager at Sembcorp Energy UK, to learn more.
Energy & Utilities Circular Economy Site Infrastucture
Hydrogen could be key to delivering ‘Net Zero’. As Sembcorp Energy UK develops Wilton International’s decarbonisation strategy, we ask: ‘where does H₂ fit in?’
A successful hydrogen economy is an important part of the UK Government’s plan for a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’. But what could this mean for major industrial sites like Wilton International in Teesside? And how can site operators respond to the challenges this presents? We spoke with Natalie Lowery, Strategy Manager at Sembcorp Energy UK, to learn more. To reach Net Zero 2050 we’re likely to need hydrogen “Hydrogen is likely to be a key piece of the decarbonisation puzzle,” says Sembcorp’s Natalie Lowery. “Government, National Grid (NG), the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and many others agree that hydrogen is needed to reach Net Zero, and internationally big commitments are being made to it. “In the UK, the Government’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution sets a target for 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, which they’re supporting with a range of measures including a £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund.
Biffa Polymers recycles 63,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year at their Wilton International plant in Teesside. To find out more, and to mark Global Recycling Day, we spoke to Chris Hanlon, Commercial Director of the global waste management company’s award-winning Polymers division.
Sustainability Circular Economy
Plastics recycling cleans up the environment – and Biffa Polymers at Wilton International is leading the way.
Biffa Polymers recycles 63,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year at their Wilton International plant in Teesside. To find out more, and to mark Global Recycling Day, we spoke to Chris Hanlon, Commercial Director of the global waste management company’s award-winning Polymers division. What does Biffa Polymers do here at Wilton International? “It’s a 24/7 operation at Wilton. 140 people are employed at the fully automated site and there’s huge demand for our products,” Chris explains. “The Wilton facility re-processes household and industrial waste plastics in 5 different processing streams, each doing something slightly different. The plastics we recycle here are called Polyolefins - polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Re-processing them means they can be re-used, saving waste and reducing the need for production of new plastic feedstocks.
Today, there’s general agreement on the need to reduce the impact of waste such as plastics on the environment, and to find lower carbon fuels and feedstocks for sectors including transportation and chemicals manufacturing.
Inward Investment Circular Economy Sustainability Site Infrastucture Energy & Utilities
Turning waste into fuels and feedstocks reduces emissions and pollution. Here’s why Wilton International is the ideal place to do it.
Today, there’s general agreement on the need to reduce the impact of waste such as plastics on the environment, and to find lower carbon fuels and feedstocks for sectors including transportation and chemicals manufacturing. The pressure on industry is coming from several directions. Consumers, inspired by media coverage including the BBC’s Blue Planet series, are demanding action on marine and other plastic waste. Government legislation and targets, including the UK’s 2050 goal for net zero carbon, mean that reducing waste and emissions is imperative. And now shareholders are adding to the pressure, by demanding increasingly robust sustainability and decarbonisation strategies from the businesses they invest in.
Following the Chancellor’s budget announcement yesterday (3rd March), Teesside will soon become home to the UK's largest Freeport zone. And Wilton International's 'plug and play' site offer will be key to the fast delivery of large-scale industrial inward investment projects.
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Teesside's Partnership Celebrates a Winning Freeport Bid - Including Wilton International as a Key Production Zone
Following the Chancellor’s budget announcement yesterday (3rd March), Teesside will soon become home to the UK's largest Freeport zone. And Wilton International's 'plug and play' site offer will be key to the fast delivery of large-scale industrial inward investment projects. Teesside’s Winning Freeport Bid Covering more than 4,500 acres of land, the equivalent of 2,250 football pitches, Teesside’s will be the largest of the UK’s 8 new Freeport zones. And the successful bid provides an excellent example of what can be achieved when Teesside’s industrial cluster, with public and private sector partners including local authorities and ports, work together. The Freeport zone includes ten distinct areas on or close to the River Tees, with forecasts estimating the attraction of more than 18,000 jobs to the area over five years, and a £3.
Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT) is one of a growing number of businesses at Wilton International who are finding smart ways to get more value from natural resources. Using ground-breaking new methods, the REFNOVA® process turns lignocellulosic woody and agricultural plant residues into valuable biocarbons, biopolymers, biochemicals and drop-in for advanced biofuels.
Circular Economy Industrial Cluster Inward Investment Sustainability
Turning plant residues into revenue – cleantech innovators Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT) demonstrate Wilton International’s circular economy credentials
Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT) is one of a growing number of businesses at Wilton International who are finding smart ways to get more value from natural resources. Using ground-breaking new methods, the REFNOVA® process turns lignocellulosic woody and agricultural plant residues into valuable biocarbons, biopolymers, biochemicals and drop-in for advanced biofuels. Whether it’s woody residues or non-edible agricultural crop residues, the chances are that cleantech innovators Nova Pangaea can turn your forestry and agriculture residues into something as valuable as it is environmentally friendly. “We process residue biomass from agricultural or forestry customers,” explains Neil Guilder, Nova Pangaea’s CFO. “That gives us valuable sugars and biocarbons such as biochar and activated carbon. The sugars can be turned into bioethanol, biopolymers and biochemicals, while the biochar can be used for soil enhancers, sustainable solid fuels, or be further processed to activated carbon, used for air and water filtration and green steel.
Apprenticeships form a vital link between Wilton International’s present and future, bringing in tomorrow’s talent and helping young people get a head start in their chosen career. We spoke to Graham Taylor, HR Business Partner at Sembcorp Energy UK, about what makes apprenticeships so valuable.
Workforce & Skills
At Wilton International, apprenticeships are fundamental to the future of Sembcorp Energy UK, and their services to businesses on the site.
Apprenticeships form a vital link between Wilton International’s present and future, bringing in tomorrow’s talent and helping young people get a head start in their chosen career. We spoke to Graham Taylor, HR Business Partner at Sembcorp Energy UK, about what makes apprenticeships so valuable. What kind of apprenticeships does Wilton International offer? “There’s a wide variety,” says Graham. “Our current apprentices are mainly in operations, working as technicians on the turbines, boilers, and water treatment plant. We have maintenance technicians, who are mechanical fitters, instrument artificers and electricians. In the past we’ve had apprentices in our analytical departments and in laboratory technician roles, and we’re currently looking for an HR apprentice. So it’s really across the board.
The UK Government’s Green Industrial Strategy is accelerating research and incentivising early adoption of technologies to decarbonise industry. There are questions about which projects have the capacity to be game changers and how to ensure that developments will lead to real progress, but it's clear that heavy industry needs to decarbonise as rapidly as possible if the UK is going to meet its climate change target of Net Zero by 2050. Sembcorp Energy UK, owner and operator of the Wilton International site in Teesside, has, since acquiring the site in 2003, commissioned a number of major projects that have already saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Sustainability Energy & Utilities Circular Economy
Sembcorp Energy UK’s sustainability drive builds on two decades of adopting cleaner technologies to reduce emissions and increase the use of sustainable resources
The UK Government’s Green Industrial Strategy is accelerating research and incentivising early adoption of technologies to decarbonise industry. There are questions about which projects have the capacity to be game changers and how to ensure that developments will lead to real progress, but it's clear that heavy industry needs to decarbonise as rapidly as possible if the UK is going to meet its climate change target of Net Zero by 2050. Sembcorp Energy UK, owner and operator of the Wilton International site in Teesside, has, since acquiring the site in 2003, commissioned a number of major projects that have already saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Sembcorp, who provide utilities including power, steam, various grades of water and industrial gases to customers on the site, are committed to ongoing decarbonisation and to being a key player in Net Zero 2050. They are currently engaged in a strategy process and evaluating technologies to achieve their sustainability goals. There is a way to go but here is the story so far: 2004: Efficiency improvements and a move away from oil One of Sembcorp’s first actions back in 2003 was to approve £20 million of funding to continue a project to integrate a 40MW gas turbine into the existing power station, improving efficiency and enabling the station to respond quickly and effectively to customer demand for large quantities of power and steam.
Reliable, large-scale nitrogen supplies are vital to the safety and security of many industrial processes. That’s why a £4.7 million overhaul of Wilton International’s critical nitrogen storage and emergency backup system demonstrates a long-term commitment to investing in essential services for site occupants. We interviewed Carl Shuttleworth, Project Portfolio Manager at Sembcorp Energy UK, the company that manages Wilton International, to find out more.
Site Infrastucture Energy and Utilities Industrial Cluster
This £4.7 million investment in nitrogen infrastructure highlights Wilton International’s long-term commitment to industrial businesses on the site.
Reliable, large-scale nitrogen supplies are vital to the safety and security of many industrial processes. That’s why a £4.7 million overhaul of Wilton International’s critical nitrogen storage and emergency backup system demonstrates a long-term commitment to investing in essential services for site occupants. We interviewed Carl Shuttleworth, Project Portfolio Manager at Sembcorp Energy UK, the company that manages Wilton International, to find out more. From chemicals and plastics to steel and electronics, industry has a wide range of essential uses for nitrogen, as Carl Shuttleworth explains: “Businesses in the chemical and process sectors need large-scale nitrogen supplies because it’s an inert gas. It doesn’t react with other agents and it prevents the oxidation of materials, which is very useful,” Carl says. “Nitrogen is widely used to prevent fires and explosions in dangerous environments, by lowering the oxygen level below explosive limits.
Inward Investment Development Land Energy and Utilities
Wilton International's ‘plug and play’ industrial land offer delivers unique benefits for investing businesses. Matthew Scrimshaw, Commercial Director, explains…
Wilton International, a 2,000-acre industrial site in Teesside, UK, is home to a well-established cluster of energy-intensive businesses, each benefiting from a unique combination of infrastructure, utilities and services. And with 562 acres of development land currently available, the site is drawing significant interest from prospective new occupants with similar requirements. “At present, we have development plots available in sizes from 2.5 up to 66 acres”, says Matthew Scrimshaw, Commercial Director at Sembcorp Energy UK, the company that manages the site and owns much of the land.
Nothing, it seems, shakes up the established ways of doing things quite like a global pandemic. Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, businesses have embraced a range of novel practices, from home working and Zoom meetings to social distancing. And the question of bringing previously "offshored" manufacturing back to the UK – known as "reshoring" - has become a hot topic in business, media and political circles.
Inward Investment Development Land Energy and Utilities
Reshoring: UK businesses want to bring their manufacturing back home - and this industrial site is ready to help them.
Nothing, it seems, shakes up the established ways of doing things quite like a global pandemic. Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, businesses have embraced a range of novel practices, from home working and Zoom meetings to social distancing. And the question of bringing previously "offshored" manufacturing back to the UK – known as "reshoring" - has become a hot topic in business, media and political circles. Vulnerable supply chains That’s because the pandemic subjected the UK’s critical supply chains to stress tests that, in many cases, revealed weaknesses. Demand for medical and personal protective equipment (PPE) exceeded supply, exposing the country’s reliance on imports. In the words of the GTMA manufacturers’ trade body: “Amongst the many things we have learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic there is a wider recognition that cheapest purchase price has generated a vulnerability of supply chains with geographic disruption and reduced capacity to uplift production in the UK.
Wilton International’s Teesside location provides direct access to comprehensive, multimodal freight transport solutions – for logistics efficiency, flexibility and security.
Logistics and Connectivity Industrial Cluster
Wilton International: Total Freight Transport Connectivity for Industry (Infographic)
Wilton International’s Teesside location provides direct access to comprehensive, multimodal freight transport solutions – for logistics efficiency, flexibility and security. Direct deep sea port access Located just 2 miles from the Wilton International site, Teesport is a major deep sea port, ranked 7th in the UK by tonnage and in the UK top 5 for liquid bulk. Handling diverse cargo types Teesport handles multiple cargo types – container, ro-ro, dry bulk, liquid bulk, general and project – enabling logistics efficiency, flexibility and security. Global sea freight connectivity Teesport delivers a comprehensive range of sea freight services: global deep sea, European short sea and European hub feeders (e.
Wilton International provides investing businesses with direct access to a large, cost-competitive pool of skilled workers, in sectors including primary chemicals manufacturing and scientific R&D.
Industrial Cluster Workforce and Skills
Here's What's Special About Wilton International's Skilled Industrial Workforce - Infographic
Wilton International provides investing businesses with direct access to a large, cost-competitive pool of skilled workers, in sectors including primary chemicals manufacturing and scientific R&D. A specialist chemicals sector workforce Amongst the UK’s major chemicals cluster locations, Wilton International ranks 1st (jointly) for access to primary chemicals manufacturing workers. A highly skilled scientific R&D workforce Wilton International also ranks No.1 - by a significant margin - for access to a large-scale scientific R&D workforce, making it the UK location of choice for process industry investments with significant R&D elements. Combining skills with cost savings Wilton International combines a skilled chemicals, process industries and R&D workforce with significant average labour costs savings versus competitor UK locations and the Great Britain average.
From planning permission to assistance with workforce recruitment and training, a supportive local authority can add real value for investing businesses. Margie Oliver and Adrian Miller, of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC), explain how their organisation supports companies investing on the Wilton International site.
Inward Investment Development Land
At Wilton International, local authority support can save investing businesses time, money and hassle. Here’s how...
From planning permission to assistance with workforce recruitment and training, a supportive local authority can add real value for investing businesses. Margie Oliver and Adrian Miller, of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC), explain how their organisation supports companies investing on the Wilton International site. Streamlining the planning and permissions process Arranging the necessary permissions for a new industrial project can be time-consuming – a factor that RCBC does everything possible to minimise. When it comes to planning, the council has two major strings to its bow. One is the support it offers through the planning process itself, as Adrian Miller, who heads up planning at the council, explains. “We provide a free planning pre-application service.
Falck are Wilton International’s on-site emergency response specialists – providing industrial firefighting, medical and security services. Paul Frankland, the company’s Commercial Director, explains how businesses benefit.
Site Infrastucture Safety and Security
Falck Fire Services UK deliver safety and security on the Wilton International site. For investing businesses, that’s another essential requirement taken care of.
Falck are Wilton International’s on-site emergency response specialists – providing industrial firefighting, medical and security services. Paul Frankland, the company’s Commercial Director, explains how businesses benefit. When it comes to site safety and security, few can rival Falck’s experience and expertise. The business, which operates internationally, is a leader in fire, medical and rescue services for high-risk industries, including power plants, petrochemical and industrial sites. For businesses at Wilton International in Teesside, UK, that makes them a very desirable neighbour. “What sets us apart is that we have broad expertise, long experience and a proactive approach to fire-fighting,” says Paul Frankland, Falck’s Commercial Director.
Teesside’s manufacturing and industrial cluster is outstanding in the UK, based on metrics including sector workforce numbers and concentrations. And it’s supported by a local ecosystem of education and skills providers that have been working hand in hand with industry for decades. We talked to Teesside University and Redcar & Cleveland College to find out how they help to keep the cluster running.
Industrial Cluster Workforce and Skills
Teesside’s industrial cluster is driven by a first-class engineering workforce. But where do the area’s technical skills and expertise come from?
Teesside’s manufacturing and industrial cluster is outstanding in the UK, based on metrics including sector workforce numbers and concentrations. And it’s supported by a local ecosystem of education and skills providers that have been working hand in hand with industry for decades. We talked to Teesside University and Redcar & Cleveland College to find out how they help to keep the cluster running. As one of the UK’s major centres of heavy industry, Teesside is often described in terms of big numbers, and that applies to the area’s labour force as well as its production capabilities. With a sector workforce concentration of 11 X the Great Britain average, it is, based on this recognised indicator, the UK’s outstanding cluster of primary chemicals manufacturing businesses. Perhaps more surprisingly, at least to those not in the know, the area is also home to around 3,000 scientific R&D workers, making it a clear leader for research and development activities amongst the UK’s process industry hubs.
At Wilton International, a growing ecosystem of businesses is reducing waste and extending the use of resources in exciting, innovative ways. It’s a form of circular economy that’s strengthening ties between companies, cutting down on landfill, and saving money at the same time.
Industrial Cluster Sustainability Circular Economy
Circular thinking: how the Wilton International business community is designing out waste and pollution
At Wilton International, a growing ecosystem of businesses is reducing waste and extending the use of resources in exciting, innovative ways. It’s a form of circular economy that’s strengthening ties between companies, cutting down on landfill, and saving money at the same time. The circular economy – for sustainability and business efficiency A circular economy recognises that the resources we use are limited. In most cases, we can get more life out of materials by using and re-using them as efficiently as possible, whether that means linking up with other businesses to find a profitable use of by-products and waste, or designing goods that can be made with recycled materials. The idea of a circular economy is closely related to sustainability and being eco-friendly.
Sustainability Circular Economy Industrial Cluster
Wilton International's Circular Economy
Grant Pearson - Commercial Director ENSUS, Mark Kenrick - Chairman of NEPIC and Ben Houchen - Tees Valley Mayor talk about Circular Economy businesses at Wilton International. Wilton International’s Circular Economy - sustainable fuels, sustainable energy, waste to fuels, waste to products, plastics recycling, clean growth. ';" class="embed-container" style="background-image: url('https://res.cloudinary.com/wilton/image/upload/v1579082236/Wilton_11.jpg');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;"
In this time of crisis, it’s right that the nation’s thoughts are with the NHS, social care and other front line institutions that are working tirelessly to protect our health. But we should also remember the wider base of essential industries and workers that are helping to keep the country running effectively and safely.
Industrial Cluster Coronavirus Workforce and Skills
How Teesside’s essential industries and workers are carrying on - to support the UK’s national coronavirus effort.
In this time of crisis, it’s right that the nation’s thoughts are with the NHS, social care and other front line institutions that are working tirelessly to protect our health. But we should also remember the wider base of essential industries and workers that are helping to keep the country running effectively and safely. As one of the largest and most important industrial sites in the country, Wilton International is home to several operations that the government regards as essential. Many of their products and services are fundamental to modern life, including the key tasks of providing our health service with vital equipment and powering our homes and workplaces. These businesses are continuing to run through the crisis, with dedicated plant operators, maintenance teams and other personnel working as normal, while complying with new social distancing and hygiene rules.
Widely known as a centre of chemicals manufacturing, the Wilton International site has credentials that make it an ideal location for expanding high-growth, high-technology businesses.
Inward Investment Development Land Energy and Utilities
Investing high-technology industrial businesses could find their ideal home at Wilton International, UK. Here’s why.
Widely known as a centre of chemicals manufacturing, the Wilton International site has credentials that make it an ideal location for expanding high-growth, high-technology businesses. Industry is transforming. The UK’s Industrial Strategy1 highlights major growth opportunities in areas including sustainable transport, carbon reduction, big data, and healthcare solutions for an ageing population. And as new technologies are commercialised, high-growth businesses are seeking suitable locations and sites for their manufacturing operations. High-technology industrial companies have diverse location requirements, but a number of themes recur. Typical needs include development-ready sites with large power supplies, excellent transport and data connectivity, and access to a highly skilled labour force.
Wilton International delivers flexible, pre-consented, plug-and-play industrial property solutions - enabling investing businesses to reduce project costs, risk and timeframes.
Development Land Energy and Utilities
Wilton International’s ‘plug & play’ industrial property solutions (infographic)
Wilton International delivers flexible, pre-consented, plug-and-play industrial property solutions - enabling investing businesses to reduce project costs, risk and timeframes. Flexible property solutions Wilton International can accommodate diverse property needs including land, business compounds, offices, warehousing and workshops. 'Ready-to-go' development land All plots are fully serviceable with ‘plug & play' energy, utilities and industrial infrastructure - reducing investment project costs and lead times. A large, diverse land portfolio With a land portfolio of 562 acres and individual plot sizes from 2.5 acres up to 66 acres, the site can accommodate a wide range of industrial uses.
Wilton International was selected for a major waste-to-energy investment, but the site offers benefits for businesses across the recycling sector.
Sustainability Circular Economy Energy and Utilities
This £250 million investment project highlights opportunities for waste recycling businesses at Wilton International
Wilton International was selected for a major waste-to-energy investment, but the site offers benefits for businesses across the recycling sector. Wilton International, on Teesside, is an industrial site with a distinctive business model. Sembcorp Energy UK generates power on site to provide resilient, cost-effective supplies for the businesses located there. And one of Sembcorp’s major projects in recent years, undertaken in partnership with Suez Waste Management, provides an example of how the site can deliver large-scale, complex industrial developments quickly and efficiently. It also demonstrates how the site’s logistics infrastructure and connectivity can meet the demanding requirements of businesses in the process sector.
Site Infrastucture Energy and Utilities Development Land
Resilient, cost-effective energy and utilities for industry
Scott Taylor of Sembcorp Energy UK and Mark Kenrick of NEPIC (North East of England Process Industry Cluster) explain Wilton International’s powerful site offer to businesses with large power requirements. ‘Plug and play, ready to go…’ ';" class="embed-container" style="background-image: url('https://res.cloudinary.com/wilton/image/upload/v1582717051/respowerutils.jpg');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;"
Cooperation is key to the success of major industrial projects, and SABIC’s investment at the Wilton International site, in Teesside UK, shows what can be achieved when businesses team up. The company worked closely with site operators Sembcorp Energy UK, local authorities and local businesses to ensure the success of a complex, multi-million pound, chemicals plant upgrade. And they delivered the project on time, on budget.
Inward Investment Industrial Cluster
At Wilton International, collaboration helps to deliver industrial investments of scale and complexity. This SABIC case study shows how.
Cooperation is key to the success of major industrial projects, and SABIC’s investment at the Wilton International site, in Teesside UK, shows what can be achieved when businesses team up. The company worked closely with site operators Sembcorp Energy UK, local authorities and local businesses to ensure the success of a complex, multi-million pound, chemicals plant upgrade. And they delivered the project on time, on budget. SABIC, one of the world’s largest petrochemicals manufacturers, recently upgraded their ‘cracker’ at Wilton International (Olefins 6), to run on ethane imported from the USA. The project took two years to deliver, at a cost of £300 million. The company now runs the most feedstock-flexible cracker in Europe, producing ethylene, propylene and butadiene - essential chemical building blocks for many everyday products. A complex industrial investment project The project was multi-faceted, with input from partners across Teesside and beyond.
Wilton International has got the energy and the land
Inward Investment Energy and Utilities Development Land
Wilton International - The site that's ready for energy-intensive industry
Wilton International has got the energy and the land With four on-site power plants as well as national grid backup and over 500 acres of development-ready land, investing companies can build their facility and then just plug and play. Watch this short animated video for an overview of Wilton International’s unique site offer to energy intensive businesses. Energy. Space. Plug & Play. ';" class="embed-container" style="background-image: url('https://res.cloudinary.com/wilton/image/upload/v1580054957/wILTON-VID-THUMB.png');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;"
Sembcorp Energy UK powers up 60MW of ultra-fast battery storage
Sembcorp Energy UK News Energy and Utilities
Ultra-Fast Battery Storage
Sembcorp Energy UK powers up 60MW of ultra-fast battery storage Solihull – 21/10/19 – Sembcorp Energy UK is pleased to announce that the first 60 megawatts (MW) of its battery energy storage system (BESS) fleet are now in operation. Located in Asfordby in Leicestershire, and Ellesmere Port and Runcorn in Cheshire, the three battery storage sites recently came online following licensing approval and successful testing. These additions bring Sembcorp Energy UK’s total operational energy portfolio to 973MW. These sites comprise half of a 120MW portfolio of battery storage projects – one of the largest transacted fleets of its kind in Europe.
Sembcorp unifies energy business under one brand
Sembcorp Energy UK News Energy and Utilities
Sembcorp Energy UK
Sembcorp unifies energy business under one brand Sep 17, 2019 Sembcorp Utilities UK and UK Power Reserve (UKPR) today announced the integration of both businesses under a unified banner - Sembcorp Energy UK. Operations will continue out of locations in Teesside and Solihull. The move is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to position itself for the global energy transition, grow its merchant energy capabilities, and build an integrated energy business in the UK. “The unification represents the next step in our plan to give Sembcorp a firm foothold in the flexible distributed energy business, which is a new growth niche.
Swift Response by Sembcorp Helps Restore UK Power Supplies
Sembcorp Energy UK News Energy and Utilities
Sembcorp's Rapid Response
Swift Response by Sembcorp Helps Restore UK Power Supplies Aug 12, 2019 Sembcorp’s fleet of ultra-reliable, rapid response generating units swung into action within seconds to help restore balance to the UK power system following last week’s emergency on the national grid. The company was able to make more than 600 MW of power available to the grid – the equivalent of electrical requirements of more than 750,000 households – after power cuts led to chaos on the railways and in homes across Britain.
Business Leaders Point to Bright Future for the Tees Valley
Industrial Cluster Sembcorp Energy UK News
Tees Valley Business - The Future is Bright
Business Leaders Point to Bright Future for the Tees Valley Business Leaders Point to Bright Future for the Tees Valley Jul 04, 2019 Nomi Ahmad (second right) sat on a panel with (left to right Frans Calje, CEO of PD Ports, Daren Smith, Site Director SABIC Petrochemicals UK and Sharon Lane, MD Tees Components. Not in picture Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley. Nomi Ahmad joined a distinguished and influential panel of speakers at a special event aimed at Teesside’s burgeoning business community.
Wilton International's site offer.
Energy Intensive Industry: Wilton International is Ready (Infographic)
Wilton International's site offer. Right click anywhere on the info-graphic and choose ‘Save image…’
Wilton International's data packs provide essential information for investing businesses, to support detailed site evaluations and comparisons. Our Data Includes:
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Development land
  • Site Infrastructure and Utilities
  • Skilled Workforce
  • Industrial Cluster
  • Logistics and Connectivity