An Irvine-based business has been highlighted within a nation-wide report examining the extent of export activity of the UK’s wind, wave and tidal energy companies.

Windhoist, whose headquarters and training academy are based in Irvine’s Meadowhead Industrial Estate, are one of the world leaders in wind turbine installation, providing heavy cranage and mechanical services to some of the largest international wind turbine suppliers including Siemens, Nordex and Senvion.

They use heavy cranes to erect turbines and skilled technicians to complete electrical work necessary to make them fully operational.

At their training centre in Irvine, they deliver classroom and practical learning to workers of all levels in the wind industry on issues such as working safely at heights.

The company has benefited from the public, private and third sector partners who make up ‘Team North Ayrshire’.

That approach which sees partners working together to help local businesses realise their ambitions.

This support has allowed Windhoist to grow its business through providing access to funding and account management.

Windhoist was founded in 2005, but draws upon engineering expertise dating back to the 1950s.

Since their establishment, they have installed in excess of 6,000 wind turbines in locations ranging from Ayrshire to Mauritania and the Falkland Islands to Tasmania.

These have created solar power capacity exceeding 10 gigawatts – enough to power approximately 700 million led light bulbs.

The export report by RenewableUK shows that 43 countries across the world bought goods or services from a sample of 36 UK companies, through a total of 557 contracts, ranging in value from £50,000 to £30 million.

Windhoist were chosen as one of the 36 UK companies to be used within the study due to their high levels of export activity in 2016.

Last year alone, Windhoist worked on 20 projects outside of the UK in countries including France, Belgium, Ireland, Morocco and Australia.

Each contract varied in value from £50,000 right up to £4 million.

Speaking about the report, Karen Yeomans, executive director of economy and communities, said: “The RenewablesUK report demonstrates just how much of a global impact Windhoist has on the wind industry.

“We are extremely proud to have the company situated here in North Ayrshire and delighted to be able to play a part in their success through the Team North Ayrshire approach.”

Lynn Macnab, marketing manager at Windhoist, said: “We are delighted with the positive contribution and assistance received from the council and its partners in supporting us with our growth plans.”