MHI Vestas is increasing capacity at its UK blade manufacturing plant on the Isle of Wight and is starting a major recruitment drive to staff the facility.
The Danish-Japanese outfit is planning to add “hundreds” of new workers to the West Medina Mill location where more than 300 people are already employed.
The plans were first reported by subscriber-only reNEWS in September.
Recruitment will kick off straight away with hiring expected to commence “in the coming weeks” as the timetable is “tight”, said the company.
MHI Vestas will offer newcomers “an attractive salary and benefits package and a very strong training program”.
The expansion plans include the procurement of a second mould for blade manufacture, “which is subsequent to submission of an application for partial funding of the procurement”.
UK production director James Luter said: “Today marks the start of an ambitious program to increase the capacity of our blade production facility at the West Medina Mills on the isle of Wight.
“We are looking for people with the right attitude, a good work ethic, and who want to be part of something historic.”
He added: “Building the world’s largest serially-produced wind turbine blades right here on the island, we are helping to move the world toward clean energy, so we can’t wait to welcome our new employees who join us on this journey.”
“This is an ambitious ramp up. We have an exceptionally strong, in-house training program, so you don’t need any prior experience in this field.
“Just come with a good attitude and willingness to learn, and we will make sure you get all the training you need.”
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: “This is great news for the Island and a major vote of confidence in our people and industry by the clean energy business, MHI Vestas.
“Their ambitious programme to recruit hundreds of skilled, long term roles over the next few months confirms the Island’s pivotal role within the wider Solent region, which is fast becoming a hub for the world’s offshore wind turbine industry.”