Key Points
- South Shields-based engineering company METEC UK has secured four major contracts with a combined value exceeding £3.6 million.
- The agreements cover projects in the global marine, port infrastructure and offshore renewable energy sectors.
- Two contracts involve supplying galvanic cathodic protection anodes to Port of Cork in Ireland and DP World London Gateway in the UK.
- The other two contracts involve manufacturing and supplying galvanic platform anodes for substation jackets at offshore wind farms in France and the Netherlands.
- METEC UK expects to manufacture and supply more than 650 tonnes of galvanic anodes over the lifetime of the four projects.
- The company’s South Shields manufacturing facility employs approximately 40 people and will undertake the production work.
- Simon Cross, Operations Manager at METEC UK, described the contract wins as a significant achievement and a strong way to conclude 2026.
- Paul Wheeler, Technical Manager at METEC Group, highlighted the importance of cathodic protection in extending the operational life of marine infrastructure.
- METEC UK established its South Shields base in 2016 and has worked with South Tyneside Council throughout the decade.
- In 2025, the company received a £50,000 grant towards a £350,000 improvement project involving solar panels, roof replacement and LED lighting at its headquarters.
- The business also benefited from the South Tyneside Business Growth Grant Scheme and signed the South Tyneside Pledge.
- Councillor Elliott Curry, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment at South Tyneside Council, praised the company’s international achievements and highlighted its strong project pipeline for 2027.
What Four Major Contracts Has METEC UK Secured Worth More Than £3.6 Million?
South Shields-based engineering manufacturer METEC UK has secured four major contracts worth a combined total of more than £3.6 million, strengthening its position in the international marine infrastructure, port development and offshore renewable energy sectors. The agreements cover the supply of galvanic cathodic protection anodes to Port of Cork in Ireland and DP World London Gateway in the UK, alongside two offshore wind projects in France and the Netherlands requiring galvanic platform anodes for substation jackets. The contracts will involve the manufacture and supply of more than 650 tonnes of galvanic anodes over the projects’ lifetimes and provide a significant boost to the company’s South Shields manufacturing facility, which employs approximately 40 people. The contract wins also demonstrate the continued demand for specialist corrosion-protection products used in marine and offshore infrastructure, while supporting manufacturing activity and employment in South Tyneside.
According to Ryan Smith of Shields Gazette, who reported the announcement on 4 November 2026, METEC UK has secured the four agreements in quick succession, with the projects covering customers and developments in several international markets.
Additional coverage published by The Manufacturer on 2 November 2026 also confirmed the combined contract value and the company’s involvement in the marine, port infrastructure and offshore wind sectors.
The development represents a significant commercial achievement for the South Shields manufacturer, particularly because the contracts involve several different infrastructure applications rather than a single customer or project.
The agreements will require METEC UK to manufacture specialist galvanic anodes designed to protect steel infrastructure against corrosion. These products are used in marine environments where exposure to seawater and other environmental conditions can gradually damage metal structures.
The company will carry out the manufacturing work through its South Shields operation, maintaining the facility’s involvement in international infrastructure projects.
Which Companies and Infrastructure Projects Are Covered by the Four Contracts?
The four contracts involve two port infrastructure projects and two offshore renewable energy developments.
According to the Shields Gazette report by Ryan Smith, the first two agreements involve supplying galvanic cathodic protection anodes to Port of Cork and DP World London Gateway.
Port of Cork is an important Irish maritime infrastructure operator, while DP World London Gateway is a major port and logistics facility in the United Kingdom.
The contracts will provide the anodes required for corrosion-protection applications within these marine and port environments.
The other two agreements relate to offshore wind farms in France and the Netherlands. METEC UK will manufacture and supply galvanic platform anodes intended for installation in the substation jackets associated with these developments.
Offshore wind infrastructure depends on several interconnected structures and systems, including turbine foundations, offshore substations and supporting steel frameworks. These assets operate in challenging marine environments, making corrosion protection an important consideration throughout their operational lives.
The substation jackets support offshore electrical infrastructure and are exposed to seawater and other environmental conditions. The galvanic anodes will form part of the protection systems designed to reduce corrosion affecting these structures.
Electrical News, in its report published on 3 November 2026, also highlighted the importance of the two offshore substation projects, explaining that the contracts extend METEC’s involvement in offshore wind infrastructure alongside its established port and marine activities.
The four agreements therefore provide the company with work across different infrastructure markets, including port facilities and offshore renewable energy developments in several European countries.
How Much Will METEC UK Manufacture for the New Contracts?
The four agreements will require METEC UK to manufacture and supply more than 650 tonnes of galvanic anodes over the lifetime of the projects.
Simon Cross, Operations Manager at METEC UK, confirmed the combined manufacturing volume and contract value in comments reported by Shields Gazette and The Manufacturer.
Cross said:
“The four new contracts represent a significant achievement for our world-leading South Shields facility.”
He added:
“The projects will see us manufacture and supply over 650 tonnes of galvanic anodes during the lifespan of the projects, with a combined value of over £3.6m.”
The manufacturing requirement represents a substantial programme of production for the company’s South Shields facility.
The anodes will need to meet the technical specifications associated with their respective infrastructure projects. Their design and manufacturing requirements are important because corrosion-protection systems must be suitable for the structures they are intended to protect.
The more than 650-tonne figure relates to the combined requirements of all four contracts rather than a single offshore wind or port project.
Cross also highlighted the speed at which the company secured the agreements, saying:
“Winning these four contracts in such quick succession is a fantastic way to round off 2026 and will see us head into the new year in a stellar position.”
His comments reflect the company’s confidence in the commercial opportunities created by the new work as it approaches 2027.
How Will the Contract Wins Benefit METEC UK’s South Shields Facility?
The contracts are expected to provide a significant boost to METEC UK’s South Shields manufacturing operation, which employs approximately 40 people.
The facility is based at Visage House, Shaftesbury Avenue, South Shields, where the company manufactures specialist corrosion-protection products for marine and offshore applications.
The additional contracts will provide manufacturing work connected to infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas, supporting the facility’s role within METEC Group’s wider operations.
The company’s involvement in international projects also demonstrates how specialist manufacturers based in regional industrial communities can supply products to major infrastructure developments outside their immediate geographical markets.
The work will require coordination between manufacturing personnel, technical specialists and the teams responsible for the respective infrastructure projects.
Paul Wheeler, Technical Manager at METEC Group, welcomed the contract awards and highlighted the technical importance of the projects.
As reported by Shields Gazette, Wheeler said:
“We are extremely pleased to have been contracted to support four incredibly significant infrastructure projects.”
He continued:
“Cathodic protection plays a critical role in extending the service life of marine infrastructure, and these projects give us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate METEC’s technical capabilities and manufacturing expertise.”
Wheeler also explained how the company would work with the organisations responsible for the projects.
“Our team will be working closely with the client team leading each project to ensure all the anodes meet the required specifications and provide the level of protection expected over the operational life of the assets.”
His comments underline the importance of manufacturing accuracy and technical coordination when supplying corrosion-protection equipment for major marine and offshore developments.
The company’s ability to manufacture products that meet project-specific requirements will be important to fulfilling the four agreements.
Why Is Cathodic Protection Important for Marine and Offshore Infrastructure?
Cathodic protection is an established engineering method used to reduce corrosion in metal structures exposed to environments that encourage electrochemical deterioration.
Marine infrastructure is particularly vulnerable because steel structures can experience continuous or repeated exposure to seawater, moisture and other environmental conditions.
Over time, corrosion can weaken structural components and increase maintenance requirements. For infrastructure expected to operate over many years, controlling corrosion is therefore an important part of asset management.
Galvanic anodes, also known as sacrificial anodes, work by providing a more readily corroding material that protects the connected metal structure.
The anodes are electrically connected to the steel they are intended to protect. They corrode preferentially, helping reduce the corrosion affecting the protected structure.
This technology is used in several industries, including:
- Offshore wind energy infrastructure.
- Commercial ports and harbour facilities.
- Marine engineering and shipbuilding.
- Offshore oil and gas installations.
- Subsea steel structures.
- Marine civil engineering developments.
For offshore wind developments, corrosion protection is important because supporting structures and substation jackets must operate in demanding marine environments.
Similarly, port infrastructure requires protection against corrosion to help maintain the integrity and service life of steel components.
METEC UK’s four contracts demonstrate the application of this specialist manufacturing capability across both established maritime infrastructure and renewable energy developments.
The work also highlights the importance of technical knowledge in Shipping, Maritime and Ports, Power Systems and Maintenance, and Oil and Gas, where infrastructure reliability, asset protection and engineering maintenance are important considerations.
How Long Has METEC UK Operated in South Shields?
METEC UK established its South Shields manufacturing base in 2016 and has developed its operations in the region over the past decade.
The company operates from Visage House on Shaftesbury Avenue and forms part of METEC Group, an international business specialising in cathodic protection systems and galvanic anodes.
According to information published by Invest South Tyneside, METEC UK manufactures sacrificial anodes used to protect steel structures, particularly those installed in subsea and offshore environments.
Its products are used in offshore wind developments and other marine infrastructure projects.
The business has also developed relationships with regional suppliers and organisations through its activities in South Tyneside.
Invest South Tyneside has previously highlighted the company’s involvement in the local supply chain and its commitment to supporting the region’s engineering base.
The company’s South Shields facility is therefore important not only as a manufacturing location but also as part of the wider industrial and employment landscape in the North East of England.
The four new contracts provide further evidence of the facility’s involvement in international infrastructure supply chains.
How Has South Tyneside Council Supported METEC UK’s Development?
METEC UK has worked closely with South Tyneside Council since establishing its South Shields facility in 2016.
The relationship has included business support and financial assistance for improvements to the company’s headquarters.
In 2025, METEC UK received a £50,000 grant from South Tyneside Council towards a wider £350,000 improvement project.
The investment programme included three principal elements:
- Installing a solar panel array at the company’s headquarters.
- Replacing the roof of its Shaftesbury Avenue premises.
- Investing in new LED lighting.
These improvements formed part of the company’s efforts to upgrade its manufacturing premises and improve the facilities from which it operates.
According to The Manufacturer, the funding was provided through the South Tyneside Business Growth Grant Scheme, which was supported by the local authority’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2024 allocations.
METEC UK has also signed up to the South Tyneside Pledge, a borough-wide initiative encouraging businesses to support local employment, skills development and supply chains.
The company’s participation in the initiative reflects its connection with the local business community and its involvement in the wider regional economy.
The council’s support has therefore extended beyond the company’s latest contract achievements, forming part of a longer relationship focused on business development and investment in the local manufacturing sector.
What Has South Tyneside Council Said About METEC UK’s International Success?
Councillor Elliott Curry, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment at South Tyneside Council, welcomed the company’s latest achievements and highlighted the importance of its international work.
As reported by Ryan Smith in Shields Gazette, Curry said:
“South Tyneside takes great pride in its rich industrial heritage, so it is always fantastic to see companies like METEC UK continuing to fly the flag for the borough across the globe.”
He added:
“We are proud as a Council to have been able to support the company over the years and with the company’s pipeline looking so strong for 2027, hopefully there is even more success for the team on the horizon.”
Curry’s comments highlight the local authority’s support for businesses operating in the region and the importance of companies maintaining international commercial relationships while remaining based in South Tyneside.
The reference to METEC UK’s project pipeline for 2027 also indicates the council’s confidence in the company’s future commercial prospects.
However, the statement does not disclose the value of any additional contracts or confirm further awards beyond the four agreements announced.
What Do the Four Contracts Mean for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector?
Two of METEC UK’s four new contracts are directly connected to offshore wind developments in France and the Netherlands.
These projects involve the supply of galvanic platform anodes for installation in substation jackets, demonstrating the company’s involvement in the infrastructure supporting offshore renewable energy.
Offshore wind farms require substantial engineering infrastructure to support electricity generation and transmission.
In addition to turbine foundations, offshore substations play an important role in collecting and managing the electricity generated by turbines before it is transferred towards the wider electricity network.
The steel structures supporting these facilities must be designed and maintained to withstand demanding marine conditions.
Corrosion protection is therefore an important technical requirement throughout the development and operational stages of offshore energy infrastructure.
METEC UK’s contracts will contribute specialist manufacturing products to two such developments, extending the company’s international involvement in the offshore renewable energy supply chain.
The agreements also demonstrate how regional manufacturing facilities can participate in projects taking place across European markets.
For the South Shields operation, the contracts provide work connected to both the maritime and renewable energy sectors, broadening the range of infrastructure projects supported by the company.
What Is METEC UK’s Position Heading Into 2027?
The four contract awards provide METEC UK with more than £3.6 million in combined project work and a manufacturing programme involving over 650 tonnes of galvanic anodes.
The agreements cover customers in Ireland and the UK, as well as offshore wind developments in France and the Netherlands.
For the company’s South Shields facility, which employs approximately 40 people, the projects represent an important addition to its manufacturing workload.
Simon Cross described the contract wins as a strong conclusion to 2026, while Paul Wheeler highlighted the opportunity to demonstrate the company’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities across four significant infrastructure projects.
South Tyneside Council has also welcomed the company’s progress, with Councillor Elliott Curry pointing to its strong project pipeline for 2027.
The company’s development has been supported by local authority funding, improvements to its headquarters and participation in initiatives aimed at strengthening local employment and supply chains.
As METEC UK moves towards 2027, the four agreements provide a further example of how specialist engineering manufacturers in the North East can secure international contracts while maintaining their manufacturing operations and employment base in the UK.
The company’s immediate focus will be on manufacturing and supplying the required anodes in accordance with the technical specifications and operational requirements of the four projects.