WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATUREInvestors inPeople (IIP)awardThe Port of Tynehas also investedin its organisationalinfrastructureand is continuingto develop itsemployees throughthe introduction ofa number of newinitiatives includingPerformanceDevelopmentReviews for allemployees and aProfit Share Scheme. At the end of last year the Port of Tyneachieved the Silver IIP, placing the Port in the top 2.5% of IIPaccredited companies in the UK.Expanding operationsThe Port’s apprenticeship programme is just one of the waysthe Port is investing in the future of the business. Over £120mhas been invested in developing port operations over ten yearsand plans are already in place to expand its operations in SouthTyneside with a further £180m project which has the potential toprovide 300 more new jobs.Port of Tynewww.portoftyne.co.ukFurther benefitsDeploying Steelite ropes for offshore windfarms is also a muchquicker and easier process, with the risk of impairment tofragile components minimised, assembly times reduced andthe lifting capacity of installational barges increased. Sinceemploying Steelite ropes, RWE has witnessed correctivemaintenance costs usually associated with wind farmconstruction disappear almost entirely.Industry growthThe UK’s use of wind energy is set to dramatically increaseover the next few years as part of the Government’s renewabletargets. The firm has already received production enquiriesfrom a number of major multinational wind farm constructorsand is planning a production schedule that will cater to thehighest possible levels of demand.Jon Templeman, Chief Executive of Bridon Internationalcommented: “The fibre constructions used in Bridon’sSteelite ropes mean they are both stronger and lighter thantheir conventional steel equivalents – making them easier towork with, reducing the need for regular replacement andensuring the highest possible levels of performance.“Bridon prides itself on collaborating with customers tofind innovative solutions to the challenges they face, andthat’s what makes us the global technology leader inmanufacturing ropes for demanding applications.”Bridon Internationalwww.bridon.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk 65