Middlesbrough-based Wilton Engineering Services (www.wiltonengineering.co.uk), which provides engineering design, fabrication and construction, analysis and coatings services for the onshore and offshore energy industry, has been ranked 13th in the fifth annual Sunday Times WorldFirst SME Export Track 100.

This was achieved on the back of the company’s diversification from its traditional oil and gas markets into the offshore renewables sector — most notably the delivery of 7,000 tonnes of steel wind-turbine transition pieces for German customer SteelWind.

At its 54-acre site on the banks of the River Tees, Wilton produced 21 transition pieces (each weighing 340 tonnes) for the Hornsea Project One offshore wind farm.

This latest accolade follows on from the company receiving a Board of Trade Award for its outstanding contribution to UK exports.

At the same time, CEO Bill Scott OBE was named as an Export Champion as part of DIT’s campaign to encourage and inspire businesses to export internationally.

Mr Scott said: “Achieving such a high position in the SME Export Track 100 is recognition of the exceptional skills, dedication and commitment of our team at Wilton and our sister business Universal Coatings.

“It also demonstrates the opportunities that the offshore wind industry is creating for UK SME firms that have the capabilities and experience to deliver complex projects on time and on budget.

“The UK — and the North East of England in particular — has a vibrant and expert cluster of offshore wind suppliers that can support the growth of the renewables industry.”