LM Wind Power is to build a blade factory dedicated to the offshore market in Cherbourg in France.
The factory will be built on a site developed by Ports Normands Associés, a port authority that includes the Normandy region and the Manche Department.
Work on the factory will start in March, with blade production expected to commence from June 2018.
LM Wind Power said it expects to employ over 550 people, with as many as 2000 further indirect jobs resulting in the local area.
The company said the facility will have the capability to produce the longest blade in the world, the LM 88.4 P.
LM Wind Power vice president offshore Alexis Crama said: “This move recognizes the strategic growth of offshore wind energy in Europe and the emerging commercial opportunity for Cherbourg and the surrounding region.”
LM Wind Power has also signed a supply agreement with GE for the blades powering the latter’s Haliade offshore wind turbine.
Image: LM Wind Power
LM Wind confirms Cherbourg plant
Offshore blade factory expected to be operational from June 2018
By EBS