Around 300 jobs could be at risk as turbine blade manufacturer, Vestas, announces a change to its manufacturing facility on the Isle of Wight.
Approximately 600 people are employed across manufacturing, logistics and support functions on the Island, but this will reduce to around 300 following the manufacturing changes.
The Isle of Wight factory focuses on manufacturing blades for the V174 offshore turbine. Vestas say demand for this product is coming to an end, and constraints at the site mean it is not suitable for the next generation of offshore blades.
Factory to be repurposed for onshore blades
However, following an agreement in principle with the UK Government, Vestas intends to repurpose the factory to build onshore blades, mainly to support the UK market. Vestas say they “greatly appreciate that the current UK Government has leaned forward to enable this change”.
As well as 300 of the staff transitioning to the new manufacturing operation, Vestas will offer a significant number of opportunities in other parts of their business. These include roles supporting UK operations and other Vestas factories.
Nielsen: My sincere gratitude goes to everyone working for us on the Isle of Wight
Anders Nielsen, Group CTOO of Vestas, said,
“We have invested in jobs and manufacturing activities on the Isle of Wight for more than two decades, and we have great pride in the technical expertise that has been developed at the site.
“We are pleased that this partnership in principle with the UK Government means we can continue manufacturing activities at the Isle of Wight to support the deployment of onshore wind in the UK.
“The commitment to domestic manufacturing and clean energy from the new government and Secretary of State has been instrumental in making this decision.
“My sincere gratitude goes to everyone working for us on the Isle of Wight, for their significant contribution to wind energy, and we are pleased to be retaining, and offering a significant number of opportunities for our impacted colleagues during this process.”
Vestas will now go into a consultation process with employee representatives and aims to have clarity for most employees by January 2025.
Quigley: Grateful Ed Miliband has worked with Treasury to protect as many jobs as possible
Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, Richard Quigley, told OnTheWight,
“This will be deeply concerning news for the workers at Vestas and all my thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time.
“The government has stepped in to help save the factory from complete closure, securing half of the jobs on the site, which will now be repurposed to manufacture onshore wind turbine blades. The previous government’s lack of an industrial strategy and the banning of onshore wind has meant planning the future for companies like Vestas has been extremely difficult.
“I am grateful that Ed Miliband has worked with the Treasury to protect as many jobs as possible in an industry vital to both the Island and the UK.
“The swift action from this Labour Government underscores their commitment to fighting for British industries and workers.
“I will do all I can to work with the local community to ensure those impacted by this news are properly supported.”
Robertson: I have asked that jobs done by Island residents are prioritised
Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, Joe Robertson, told OnTheWight,
“Earlier today, Vestas shared their plans to repurpose their Isle of Wight manufacturing site from producing offshore wind turbine blades to onshore wind turbines.
“They say that this transition is made in agreement with the Government and comes as demand for offshore turbines is declining and the need for onshore energy solutions is increasing. I am obviously hugely disappointed, and it will cause great stress to employees and their families, particularly at this time of year.
“I understand that Vestas have given assurances that employees not retained at the Medina site will be offered opportunities within other parts of the business, including roles supporting operations at other Vestas sites.
“However, it is no good offering jobs hundreds of miles away meaning young working families decide to leave the Island for good. If there are jobs available in the Solent area, we know that the cost of commuting off the Island is high and ferry services are unreliable, so this is not a viable option for many.
“Not all of the jobs at risk on the Island are currently filled by people living on the Island and I have asked that jobs done by Island residents are prioritised for saving in the workforce reorganisation.”
