Cosalt poised for growth in the Renewable Energy market
29 June 2010
Cosalt is poised to expand its operations in the renewable energy market. The company already works with a number of customers in this fast growing sector but it has now set up a dedicated Renewable Energy division to operate alongside its existing marine and offshore businesses. To reinforce is presence in the market Cosalt will be exhibiting at this year's UK Offshore Wind 2010 exhibition in Liverpool (29th-30th June).
As Europe's leading provider of critical safety equipment for the marine, industrial and offshore markets, Cosalt can supply marine safety, lifting equipment, tooling and height safety products that are directly applicable to the renewables sector, particularly offshore wind farms.
With branches located in close proximity to the UK's key wind turbine development sites, Cosalt is uniquely placed to service the sector as more investment comes on-stream. The company has bases in Grimsby, Lowestoft and Birkenhead, which offer immediate access to the wind farms being built off the Humber, Wash, Kent and the North West coastlines.
In addition to its extensive product range, Cosalt has the in-house technical expertise to provide inspection, testing and maintenance services, together with Independent Competent Person (ICP) capability. The company also has the resources to manage European-wide asset integrity programmes and equipment hire packages on behalf of its customers.
Cosalt has asked Winston Phillips, who is well known in the marine and offshore industries, to spearhead the drive into renewables. As CEO of the Renewables Division, Winston will be responsible for managing the development of the business. He intends to expand market share through a mix of organic growth and strategic acquisition in order to add a range of complementary products and services that will meet the specific needs of the industry.
Commenting on his new appointment Winston said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of developing our renewables business. This is becoming an increasingly important market for us and we have a great deal of expertise to offer.
"Our business has been supplying safety equipment to the marine and offshore industries for over 135 years so we are ideally placed to provide a unique service to customers in the renewable energy industry. We not only offer an extensive product range and technical expertise across a range of disciplines but we also have the resources that few of our competitors can match. Cosalt operates a European-wide business network that spans 25 separate locations in the UK and Europe."
In his new role, Winston will also be responsible for the sales of Bridon wire/fibre products. Cosalt and Bridon recently signed major partnership agreements covering both the marine and offshore markets. By providing a focal point of contact within Cosalt for this key supplier, Winston hopes to maximise the synergy between the two companies and exploit the commercial opportunities in the market.