Sembcorp’ s vision for Wilton International is shaping Teesside’ s energy future
INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Sembcorp’ s vision for Wilton International is shaping Teesside’ s energy future
WORDS: PAUL FRASER PICTURE: STUART BOULTON
A
new dawn is breaking at Wilton International.
Once the powerhouse of a bygone era, the vast 2,000- acre site is being meticulously reshaped by Sembcorp Energy UK, transforming its legacy into a launchpad for the future of clean energy across the industrial skyline of Teesside.
The work being done today isn’ t just about managing the Wilton estate. It’ s about laying the groundwork for decades to come, positioning Teesside as a global leader in the energy transition.
The Wilton International site has a rich history dating back to the mid-1940s when it was the heart of ICI’ s heavy manufacturing and chemical processing operations.
Over decades, as parts of the ICI empire were sold off, Sembcorp emerged as the majority landholder and, critically, the owner of the essential infrastructure – including on-site power generation, demineralised water plants and a network of utility corridors. This legacy infrastructure is now proving to be one of the site’ s greatest assets.
Michael Dowson and Kathryn Watson head Sembcorp’ s property department and are at the forefront of this transformation. They understand the weight of their responsibility.
“ What we do in the next five years will shape Wilton for the next 30 years,” Michael said.
Their role is not just to manage the land and buildings but to form a group of companies that will thrive in a new energy landscape. This means being selective about who comes to Wilton.
Michael said:“ We have to protect the chemical and energy businesses we are here to support. This is why you won’ t find a trampoline park or a trade counter on the site. Instead, the focus is on attracting businesses that are aligned with the existing operations and Sembcorp’ s strategic goals.”
Wilton International is already home to a cluster of major multinational companies, including SABIC, Renew ELP, Huntsman, Alpek, Ensus, Biffa, Nippon Gases and Anglo American.
This existing tenant mix highlights the site’ s reputation and its ability to attract high-quality, global investment. The presence of these companies is a testament to Teesside’ s skilled workforce and its established industrial infrastructure.
The Teesside region is undergoing a significant energy transition, and Sembcorp is a key player in this evolution.
“ We are supporting the energy transition efforts on Teesside,” Michael said.“ Sembcorp want to grow our renewable energy assets, and we want to support clean energy and low-carbon technologies.”
This vision is already taking shape. Sembcorp is actively working with developers of e-fuels, which are crucial for decarbonising the aviation and maritime sectors, as well as with companies spearheading hydrogen production projects.
The site’ s history and infrastructure provide a unique advantage for these new ventures.
As Michael points out, many of the original plants from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s have reached the end of their operational life, creating prime industrial land ready for its next purpose.
Kathryn said:“ We are taking advantage of a heavy industrial processing estate that has an international reputation and a skilled workforce and encouraging the next life of processing plants to come to this established estate.”
New energy projects can tap into Wilton’ s existing infrastructure, skilled workforce and supportive local planning authority, which recognises Wilton as a premier location for such development.
When older plants are no longer viable, they are demolished, clearing the way for new opportunities while preserving the site’ s fundamental purpose.
Sembcorp’ s role goes beyond being a landlord. It sees itself as a critical part of the development team for new projects. Kathryn added:“ We will assist the developer in every way we can. We assist them as we are part of the development team, and collaborative working, making things happen.
“ This integrated partnership model, where all parties are in the room with something to contribute, is essential for securing the large-scale financing and international investment these major projects require.”
This collaborative spirit is echoed across the site. Sembcorp’ s internal teams – from pipeline and structural engineers to civil engineers – ensure the entire estate remains fit for purpose.
They have a network of on-site service providers, including local construction and crane hire companies and a modular building rental firm.
This on-site ecosystem provides an“ immediate reaction capability” to ensure maintenance and support are always readily available.
The site’ s infrastructure is a powerful platform for wider regional projects.
The Net Zero Teesside( NZT) project is already benefitting from Sembcorp’ s utility corridors, which run from Wilton, under the River Tees and to other key industrial areas such as Seal Sands and Billingham.
This extensive pipeline network, a legacy of the ICI era, is now a crucial asset for connecting the new energy supply chains of the future.
Recent activities on the site demonstrate Sembcorp’ s confidence in this vision.
The demolition of the old coal-fired power station and the acquisition of additional freehold land show a proactive strategy to clear the path for new businesses, a clear signal of Sembcorp’ s long-term commitment.
Beyond Teesside, Sembcorp is also a leader in flexible power generation and battery energy storage across the UK, known as the Flex business, with Michael and Kathryn delivering on that front too.
This national footprint provides another layer of expertise and strategic vision that informs their work at Wilton International.
By leveraging its history, infrastructure and a collaborative mindset, Sembcorp is not just managing a property, it’ s actively creating a legacy.
The goal is to build on the existing skills in the area and use legacy infrastructure to support a new generation of industrial activity. Teesside remains a hub of innovation and a cornerstone of the UK’ s energy future.
Check out wiltoninternational. com and sembcorp. com / uk for more information.
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