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Steel Benders UK powers renewable energy future with cutting-edge innovation

ByDave Stopher

Nov 28, 2024
Matty Patterson looks at some of the large steel cylinders made at Steel Benders in Middlesbrough. Picture by Tom Banks Copyright Tom Banks 2023. For editorial and commercial use only. No third party archiving of this image. No secondary use by any third party without strictest permission of the Tom Banks/Banks Photo. Strictly no syndication without permission from Tom Banks/ Banks Photo

Steel Benders UK (SBUK) is boosting the UK’s green energy transition with the acquisition of advanced machinery that enables the creation of essential components for the renewable energy sector.

The company’s investment in a state-of-the-art Davi 4-roll plate rolling machine, valued in the six-figure range, positions SBUK at the forefront of heavy steel rolling.

This cutting-edge equipment can process steel plates up to 90mm thick and three metres wide, enabling the production of some of the UK’s largest steel cylinders.

These massive structures are critical to a range of applications, including hydrogen storage tanks, carbon capture infrastructure, monopiles for offshore wind farms, underground pipelines and subsea installations.

“These are among the largest cold-formed plate rolls available for industries, particularly renewables,” said Phil Anderson, Operations Director at SBUK.

“With this machine, we can produce heavy steel rollings in-house, right here on Teesside, eliminating the need to rely on forging houses or overseas suppliers.”

SBUK’s investment is a game-changer for the UK’s renewable energy landscape, as the nation accelerates efforts to meet its net-zero targets. The demand for bespoke and large-scale infrastructure in sectors such as hydrogen and carbon capture are surging, and SBUK is well-equipped to meet these needs.

“This allows us to take on specialised projects that few others can,” said Phil. “We can cater to both custom designs and high-volume contracts, ensuring flexibility and innovation in our approach.”

SBUK’s advanced capabilities extend beyond large-scale renewable projects to smaller businesses and industries that have historically relied on imports.

“There’s no one else in the UK rolling plates of this size like we are now,” said Phil. “We’re also here to support companies focused on in-house projects, such as wind turbine manufacturers, and industries like water utilities that would typically look overseas for these components.”

The acquisition of the Davi 4-roll machine aligns with SBUK’s broader expansion strategy. The company is relocating from Middlesbrough to a six-acre facility on Brenda Road, Hartlepool, allowing for increased production capacity and efficiency.

“This new machinery is central to our growth,” said Phil. “The move to Hartlepool gives us the space and infrastructure to take on larger projects and create new opportunities, including 15 additional job roles.”

SBUK’s innovation highlights the vital role of the steel industry in supporting renewable energy initiatives. By manufacturing components crucial for green infrastructure, the company is helping to redefine steel’s image as a key player in the fight against climate change.

“For steel to be part of the renewables future is a big win for the industry and for us at SBUK,” Phil said. “And with Teesside’s excellent port and transport links, we can deliver these components across the UK, from Scotland to other key regions.”

As the largest steel bending company in the North-East, SBUK boasts unique capabilities, including the region’s only 8x2m fibre laser cutting bed, expanded press braking, plasma cutting, and HD profile burning. These services cater to diverse sectors, including marine, defence, petrochemical, manufacturing and civil engineering.

**To learn more about Steel Benders UK and their services, visit steelbenders.co.uk.