16/07/2015
Siemens has appointed UK contractor VolkerFitzpatrick to build its Green Port Hull wind turbine blade factory.
Construction of the 40,000 square metre facility will begin in August, with the factory scheduled to be completed in autumn 2016. Production of the first blades is expected by the end of 2016. Around 200 jobs will be created during construction.
The facility will accommodate the manufacture of 75m turbine blades and the assembly, maintenance, storage and distribution of wind turbine components. The contract also involves the construction of office accommodation and welfare facilities.
VolkerFitzpatrick will use local and regional suppliers and sub-contractors and will keep the entire supply chain within the UK. The contractor has a history with Siemens, having previously delivered rail depot projects for the company in the UK.
With partner Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens is investing £310m in the Hull project. Siemens will employ around 1000 people on the site, the majority within the blade factory.
Hull City Council’s planning committee gave consent for the blade factory and associated facilities in June. Development on site will also include construction of a 12,000 square metre building for the service and maintenance of wind turbines and storage of parts and equipment required in pre-assembly phases, which will be subject to a separate contract.
Source: RENews, 16 July 2015
