JDR has started the construction of its new £130m state-of-the-art subsea cable manufacturing facility in the UK.
The 69,000 square metre factory, which is located in Cambois near Blyth in Northumberland, will be operational by 2024.
It will deliver subsea cable manufacturing technology to the offshore wind market and is currently providing 171 local jobs for the construction phase of the project.
The factory is being funded with support from UK Energy department BEIS’ Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support Scheme (OWMIS).
When complete, it will include a new catenary continuous vulcanisation line, which will make it the only facility in the UK capable of full start-to-finish manufacturing of high voltage subsea cables for offshore wind farms.
JDR marked the start of construction for the project at a ceremony event today involving JDR staff, local stakeholders, politicians, community leaders and supply chain partners.
JDR chief executive officer Tomasz Nowak said: “We’re delighted to be starting construction, it’s taken a lot of hard work from all stakeholders for spades to finally hit the ground today.
“It’s a significant moment for the North East too, as projects like ours will provide more local jobs and opportunities for the people of Cambois, Bedlington and the surrounding area.
“This region and the east coast of the UK has plans to connect an incredible amount of energy infrastructure in the coming years and we’re proud to be contributing to it in the midst of a growing offshore energy sector.
“This is the first phase of our development in Cambois, but we’ll continue to move with confidence and pace.
“These are very exciting times for JDR and we look forward to working with the local community and our partners to deliver cutting edge subsea cable technology that secures our energy supply and powers the future economic success of this site, the region and beyond.”