Back in April last year, when wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas announced they were investigating the potential of expanding its UK footprint through additional manufacturing and supplier sites across the UK, it was mentioned that this might include the Isle of Wight.
It appears the there is good news for the Island today, as Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, explains,
“I’ve talked with Vestas this morning, who confirmed the great news about their investment in the Island. In the past months, Vestas have been talking to Government about building the new generation of larger, 85metre wind turbine blades here on the Island.
“This decision is important not only for high-quality jobs for Islanders but it’s also important for Britain as we increase the supply of renewable energy. I understand that there will be another 50 roles at Vestas, bringing their total Island workforce to 700.
“This is a major vote of confidence in the Island and in Islanders to deliver very high-quality manufacturing in green energy. We should be proud of the role that the Island is playing. I thank Vestas for their investment and I’ll be working with them to make sure that we continue to develop the Island as a national hub of green energy.”
News OnTheWight has been in touch with Vestas who confirm they will manufacture blades for its V174-9.5 MW wind turbine at the Isle of Wight plant from the end of the second quarter of 2022.
Johnny Hoy Henriksen, COO Northern and Central Europe, said,
“Introducing a new V174-9.5 MW manufacturing line at Isle of Wight will help boost supply of a key component for the European market and it underlines how Vestas’ flexible manufacturing setup ensures a competitive product offering to our customers.
“Vestas has invested in the UK for 20 years, and we have great pride in the technical expertise in blade manufacturing that we have developed at our Isle of Wight plant.”
Delivered over 1,000 blades to North European markets
A spokesperson for Vestas also shared this update below.
The Isle of Wight plant currently produces V164 turbine blades and has delivered over 1,000 blades to North European markets, including more than £360m worth of exports since 2014. In the past five years, Vestas has delivered V164 blades from the Isle of Wight to seven of the UK’s largest offshore wind projects.
Since 2002, Vestas has tested and manufactured wind turbine blades on the Isle of Wight, prototyping and producing over 10,000 blades and currently employing more than 650 full-time employees in high value manufacturing.
Vestas has invested close to £1bn with UK suppliers, including more than £100m per year since 2017. In total, Vestas currently employs over 1,500 people in the UK, spanning blade manufacturing, R&D, construction, service and other vital functions.
Article edit
1.15pm 23rd Mar 2022 – Comment from Vestas added
