More than 440 jobs are being created and safeguarded across the North-East of England in an offshore wind production boom following £130 million of Government and private investment.
Offshore wind cabling manufacturer JDR Cable Systems Ltd is receiving funding from the government’s £160 million Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme, which, together with private investment from the company, will see £130 million invested in facilities that will develop and build components for next generation wind turbines.
With the investment being used to build a new factory in Cambois, near Blyth, and protect jobs at its existing facility in Hartlepool, this will be a huge boost to local economies in the North-East of England, with more than 440 jobs being created and safeguarded. Of those jobs, 270 will be protected at JDR Cable Systems’ existing factory in Hartlepool, with a further 170 created as the company builds a new production facility in Cambois.
Stimulated through the investment announced as part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan, this brings the total investment of government and private sector investment to £675 million already this year.
Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The UK’s offshore wind sector is a major industrial success story, but we need to ensure local workers and manufacturers fully reap the economic benefits of this booming industry.
“This major investment is a perfect example of how our transition to a low carbon economy can attract new industries, create jobs, reduce our reliance on unreliable fossil fuels and generate export opportunities as we build back greener from the pandemic.”
Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said: “Just as the UK led the Industrial Revolution 2 centuries ago, we are now spearheading the Green Industrial Revolution and we are building a manufacturing base that reflects our position as a world leader in offshore wind technology.
“The UK’s clean energy sector offers huge potential to international investors and as our workers build the next generation of wind turbines that help us meet our own climate change commitments, they will be producing the technology that can help countries all over the globe build for a greener future.”
