MHI Vestas has received a new blade mould at the company’s Isle of Wight factory in England and is preparing to start production on a second manufacturing line at the site by January next year.
The company said the arrival of the new mould is a milestone in its plans to add 1100 new jobs and £42m of additional economic benefit a year to the regional economy.
MHI Vestas vice president of blades Bo Jensen said: “This expansion effort is one of the most ambitious blade initiatives we have ever undertaken.
“In close cooperation with the Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight College and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, our training and certification programs are paving the way for the next generation of offshore wind specialists.
“This development of green energy manufacturing skills will not only benefit MHI Vestas but also serve to elevate the regional composites industry as well.”
MHI Vestas UK country manager Julian Brown said: “Among all the uncertainty these days, it’s quite a remarkable image: a massive blade mould comes into the UK with hundreds of new employees readying themselves for years of serial production.
“It’s offshore wind at its finest, actually – large-scale manufacturing, sustainable jobs, considerable economic benefit to local communities, and a green energy source driving the UK toward a carbon-free future.”