JDR’s plans to build the first export cable factory in the UK have been approved by Northumberland County Council.
The £130m subsea wire manufacturing plant (pictured) will be capable of the end-to-end production of high voltage cables and will be located on the 16-hectare site of the former coal-fired Blyth power station in Cambois in the north-east of England.
It is set to feature a 47.5-metre high vertical laying-up machine tower and a 45-metre high catenary continuous vulcanisation tower along with cable testing and storage facilities.
Construction is due to start in the third quarter of this year and finish in early 2024.
It will create 207 local jobs on completion, while safeguarding 270 jobs at JDR’s existing facilities.
JDR has also committed to developing employment and training and skills plans to prepare the local workforce for future roles, Northumberland County Council said.
The facility has been part funded by a grant from the BEIS Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support (OWMIS) scheme, with the remaining cash sourced from financial institutions and UK Export Finance in the form of an Export Development Guarantee.
Northumberland County Council deputy council leader Richard Wearmouth said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming one of the most advanced subsea cable manufacturing facilities in the world into the county.
“This brand-new facility will focus on renewable energy products and services – which is crucial towards the county’s carbon neutral plans.
“It’s also the latest step in Northumberland’s new green industrial renaissance – where once we had heavy industry we’re now seeing a new wave of renewable manufacturing plants coming to the area – bringing jobs and prosperity.
“Getting to this stage is testament to the hard work of many of our staff and partner organisations who must take much of the credit of securing planning approval.”
Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson said: “This is great news. We’ve been working tirelessly to support this facility, which will be another major employer in south-east Northumberland – and continue the county’s emergence as a key hub for renewable energy engineering and industry.”