MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has commenced recruitment of over 200 skilled jobs at the recently announced blade manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight .
The new positions have been created in order to fulfill the demand for DONG Energy’s 258 MW Burbo Bank Extension project, off the coast of Liverpool Bay in the UK, as well as potential future offshore projects.
CEO Jens Tommerup said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to announce the commencement of hiring over 200 full time jobs at our manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight.”
“The 80m blades for the V164-8.0 MW prototype were designed, manufactured and tested at the Isle of Wight facility. We have developed the unique competences and processes necessary to manufacture blades at the centre which makes it an ideal location to ramp up to serial manufacturing.”
The company is planning the serial production to start in May 2015.
UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey added:
“Our long term economic plan to build a more resilient economy has made the UK the world’s number one market for offshore wind, attracting investors from all over the world and creating green jobs. Today’s commitment from MHI Vestas of 200 new green jobs will lead to blades being mass produced in the UK, bolstering the UK’s expertise in advanced manufacturing.”
MHI Vestas Offshore Wind will lease the production hall at Vestas’ blades technology centre on the Isle of Wight.
Vestas will continue to conduct research and development of blade technology on the Isle of Wight, including the testing and verification of the V164-8.0 MW which is being finalised by Vestas on behalf of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind. The lease of the production hall will have no impact on Vestas employees working in R&D on the site.