Siemens UK chief executive Juergen Maier has said the company is “100% committed” to its Hull blade manufacturing centre after reports suggested part of the plan was on hold following the Brexit vote.
Maier told UK media earlier this week that plans for Hull to export components “will stall” until clarity is delivered on Britain’s exit from the EU.
However, the Siemens UK chief has issued a statement in an effort to clarify his remarks.
“So far, Hull is primarily focused on the domestic market,” he said.
“However, if we and very importantly a much wider offshore industry located in the Humber, want to export in the longer term, we need to understand what the arrangements, such as for export and EU funded R&D, are between the UK and the EU.”
Hull’s short term order book is nearing capacity, it is understood. Blades for the 6MW turbines for Statoil’s 402MW Dudgeon wind farm will be the first to be manufactured at the site where the hardware will also be pre-assembled.
Maier said 300 workers have already been hired for the facility with plans in place for a further 100 hires shortly.
Up to 1000 people will eventually work at Hull which is to begin initial operations later this year.
Image: an artist’s impression of the Hull facility (Siemens)
Siemens bids to calm Hull fears
UK chief executive Juergen Maier seeks to clarify Brexit comments
By EBS