SPIE strengthens its position in the offshore wind sector with the acquisition of 85% of Correll Group
Correll Group, a major player in electrical engineering applied to the offshore wind energy sector, stands out for its expertise in the connection and testing of submarine high-voltage cables for the interconnection of wind farms.
To find out more about Correll's activities and the future prospects for SPIE and Correll Group, we interviewed Sam Dowey, Correll's Managing Director.
Can you present Corrells’ activities?
"Specialising in the renewable energy sector, Correll are a global leader in the provision of cable pull, termination and testing, and high voltage management. We stand out for our expertise in the subsea interconnection of wind farms and provide best-in-class engineering, installation, maintenance and associated services, and our reputation of delivery in the associated scope of works is recognised across the world as first class.
As a group, we have been working in the wind sector for over 20 years, and our company has been involved in many major offshore wind projects while maintaining an impeccable track record of zero failures, and hold a dominant position in all major and emerging offshore wind markets. In addition, with access to over 440 highly qualified technicians through our main operational hubs in the UK, USA and Taiwan, the company presents a strong and substantial offering to the offshore renewable energy sector.
The way Correll operates in emerging markets, combined with the reactiveness of our departments form part of our unique selling proposition; the essence of what makes our service better than our competitors.
In emerging markets, we establish a local supply chain that will support the operations in these specific countries. We then work to recruit local employments for the management of the projects, and then invest and train local technicians who can then be mobilised onto country specific projects.
With our company being predominantly a contracting entity, it means we must be reactive in several areas, the main ones being manning and logistics. We need to be prepared to mobilise people and equipment, at very short notice."
“ Our aim is to operate efficiently and achieve growth using energy sources that protect the climate and are kind to the environment.”
What were your motivations for joining SPIE?
"When we began our journey to find an investor, our priority was to ensure that our company values and services aligned. This we have found with SPIE, and their global presence allowing us access to top tier customers would further embellish our opportunity to grow the business.
These values are the basic principles we follow in the collaboration with our employees, business partners and society: safety, environmental awareness, and integrity. They are totally aligned with SPIE’s values, namely performance, proximity, and responsibility.
Safety comes first, because we can only establish strong relationships with employees and business partners based on trust if we comply with extremely rigorous safety standards.
Environmental Awareness, secondly, as we strive to achieve harmony between ecology and economy: our aim is to operate efficiently and achieve growth using energy sources that protect the climate and are kind to the environment.
Integrity is not only a key part to our external employee and client dealings, it is also our foremost important philosophy within our company morals internally. We have offices in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the USA, which means dealing with colleagues from various locations gives us the vital relationship building and communication skills that is crucial for success in client and employee liaisons."
In joining forces with SPIE in a single expertise Business Unit, how do you see the business outlook of this newly created entity in the offshore wind market?
We are proud to be the first acquisition toward SPIE’s ambition to not only enter the Offshore Wind market, but to build an Offshore Wind Services Champion.
We believe the future looks bright … SPIE’s continual investment into complementary services in the offshore energy sector will aid to assist our continual growth in the market.
Our long-term vision for the business is to rely on Correll and SPIE’s complementary experience and competency combined in a single entity to further develop the high-voltage management Operation and Maintenance Division.
The integration process is underway, we know it is a long journey and an essential step into successfully building the Wind Services Champion we aim to be, together as part of SPIE Global Services Energy, and provide our customers with seamless integrated support across all their needs, generate value and long-term relationships to assist in the world’s transition towards a low carbon future.
Interview of Sam Dowey Managing Director of Correll