THE TECHNICAL AUTHORITY ON LIFTING
Certex UK is part of the Axel Johnson Lifting Solutions Group and is the largest supplier of lifting equipment and services in Europe. It was acquired by the Axel Johnson Group in 2007 and provides lifting equipment and statutory compliance inspections of apparatus in wind turbines. Ian Shaw, Divisional Manager for Engineering Services, and Terry Hoenes, Divisional Manager for Renewables, explained more to Hannah Barnett.
Certex has perfected the art of lifting.
“We’re a lifting engineering firm,” said Divisional Manager for Engineering Services Ian Shaw, “that is our core business. We have been established for a long time and achieved global reach. Certex has a training division, where we train people in lifting equipment examination as well. We see ourselves as the tech nical authority for lifting.”
With five locations across the UK and combined warehousing and workshop facilities covering 20,000 square metres, the company is well-established. This is reflected by its local stock holding of €5.6 million. Certex is also part of the larger Lifting Solutions group, which employs 1,500 people
over 24 companies in 19 countries and reports a €426 million turnover, while the wider Axel Johnson Group has a turnover of €11.1 billion across 170 diverse companies.
Sustainable projects
The Renewables Division of Certex UK started in 2009 and has established itself as an important player in the renewable energy revolution. The company provides solutions for lifting and handling of heavy wind turbine components, such as nacelles and towers, to the wind and renewables industry. It supplies statutory inspections for lifting and all the safety equipment within the turbine, as well as cranes, service lifts and all certifications.
CERTEX UK I PROFILE
As part of the wider Lifting Solutions Group, one of Certex’s strengths is that it has access to manufacturing facilities in more than 100 locations in Europe, USA, Australia and China. This gives Certex UK vast reach in a market that is rapidly expanding. As Divisional Manager for Renewables Terry Hoenes said: “We have seen a large demand in work scopes throughout renewables over the last five years. The projected path through to 2030 appears to be ahead of where we are now for off and onshore wind.”
Much of the business is run from divisional headquarters in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Certex UK also has an office in Taiwan, in support of the renewable sector in the Far East.
“We undertake full statutory inspections on an annual basis, for both the OEM and many
owner operators in the renewables industry,” said Mr Hoenes. “Certex has substantial work scopes with large local wind farm operators on an operational and construction basis, ensuring they remain fully compliant.”
The company also has significant projects in Europe: “We are partners in pre-assembly construction projects, with OEM manufacturers of turbine generators and for the HKZ windfarm,” said Mr Hoenes. “Certex is midway through that construction project, and we are participating in the HKN project commencing in early 2023.”
HKN is the Hollandse Kust Noord windfarm, located off the coast of The Netherlands. This project is due to become operational by the end of 2023, with an installed capacity of 759MW, generating at least 3.3TWh per year.
Once installation is complete, HKN will assist its sister windfarm, HKZ.
Certex UK is ideally suited to projects such as HKZ and HKN, according to Mr Hoenes: “We have the capability to execute these pre-assembly projects and meet our client’s expectations. Certex offers the full construction package for the client, supported by our extensive experience with numerous successful projects. We are probably the favoured operator in our sector for the major OEM wind turbine manufacturers.”
Sustainable people
Alongside assisting in environmentally conscious endeavours, Certex UK is committed to providing a sustainable workforce to manage these projects.
“We are passionate about the way we employ our people,” said Mr Shaw.
“Certex offers sustainable employment in a seasonal business. It’s not unusual for companies to use subcontractors or zero hours contracts; we prefer to see our personnel in full-time employment.
“This is a much more sustainable business model. The Certex approach allows us to keep these vital skills within the industry and ensure continuity between our projects. It also means that the workforce enjoys consistent pay, rather than needing to regularly search for their next contract.”
Lifting specialists
Many factors contribute to Certex UK’s success and explain its in-demand status within the renewables industry. One aspect is the sustainable employment practice outlined above. The dedication and experience
of the qualified team is also a factor. Finally, Certex is focused on its core capabilities.
“Most companies who start working in the renewables industry do not start as lifting equipment statutory inspectors”, Mr Shaw explained, “they start out in their own specialist field, identify an opportunity in inspections and bolt this service onto their existing business, whereas at Certex we specialise in lifting as our core business activity.”
Certex UK also makes its own products, manufacturing wire rope, static crane wires and related items. In partnership with large manufacturers and distributors, Certex has developed its own selection of branded products. POWERTEX offers customers a wide range of high-quality products in lifting and fall protection, including harnesses,
slings and more. Meanwhile, ROPETEX is Lifting Solutions Group’s brand of steel wire ropes, with a focus on price and quality. Both of these brands provide clients with the correct application for a task, ensuring customer satisfaction at all times. This is all achieved via a central distribution warehouse in Europe.
“Certex also manufactures a range of bespoke lifting tools including products for handling major turbine components; blades, tower sections, etc,” said Mr Shaw. “They’re all designed in-house, and we commission the manufacturing of these specialist tools.”
Exceptional market potential
With such a broad portfolio, Certex remains optimistic about the future, reaping the continued benefits of its experience and prowess within the industry. “Probably the biggest challenge we experience annually is ensuring we have sufficient resources as Certex continuously grows,” Mr Hoenes said. “We acquire more business every year and build on our existing projects.”
“The company benefits from the network of sites throughout Europe, Australia and the US,” explained Mr Shaw. “Our goal is to bring the level of expertise and the services delivered to a consistent level,
so a customer anywhere in the world can expect a Certex division to deliver identical quality and service. Plus, we see huge opportunity in renewables. The best thing about this field is the excitement of these different opportunities and the chance to make things happen.”
Mr Hoenes agreed about the vast potential of the renewables industry: “It is exciting to be part of this sector,” he concluded. “It is expanding into a massive new market, and the operational side is where Certex Renewables excels with our lifting know-how and technical experience.”
