The world’s largest engineering company is developing world-class offshore wind turbine blade manufacturing and assembly facilities on the north bank of the Humber.
Siemens Gamesa selected Alexandra Dock in Hull for the investment after initially considering more than 100 locations in Europe for one of its largest new developments anywhere in the world.
Siemens Gamesa was attracted by the Humber’s proximity to the UK’s largest offshore wind farms in the North Sea, the area’s well-established marine engineering skills base, and by the commitment of what it described as a “dream team” of local partners who gave unstinting support to the proposed investment.
Together with project partner Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens Gamesa is investing £310 million in the development, creating 1,000 jobs directly and many more during the construction phase and in the supply chain.
The Rt Hon Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, joined Siemens Gamesa executives in January 2015 for a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the start of entirely new industry for the UK, not just the Humber.
Dependent on detailed planning consent, construction of buildings for the blade manufacturing and wind turbine assembly facilities is due to begin in summer 2015, with production of the first blades scheduled for early 2017. Siemens Gamesa has begun hiring for jobs based in Hull, with recruitment continuing through 2015 and 2016.
Siemens Gamesa's investment is located within the Humber Enterprise Zone, the largest in the country offering offshore wind investors and their supply chains the opportunity to co-locate for efficiency and cost-reduction.
Andy Sykes, Operations Manager, said: “As well as leading the way with our own plans for world-class wind turbine manufacturing and assembly facilities in Hull, Siemens Gamesa is keen to work with the emerging supply chain and expertise based within the region to bring forward innovations and drive down the lifetime costs of energy.
“Whether it’s streamlining our processes or localising supply chains, every aspect of our industry can and will be challenged and continuously improved.
“The Humber is well-established as the UK’s Energy Estuary and the investment we are making is reinforcing its growing reputation as a major centre for green energy industries.
“The Humber’s position in close proximity to the UK’s largest offshore wind farms is a key advantage for the region, putting the estuary at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”
Siemens Gamesa is the world No.1 in offshore wind turbine construction and its technology powers 50% of the UK’s wind power generating capacity. Siemens has installed more than 2,200 onshore and offshore turbines in the UK and is involved in 13 offshore wind farm projects, including the Round 3 Hornsea zone in the North Sea.
The company has 343,000 employees worldwide in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalisation. Siemens Gamesa is also a major UK employer, with around 14,000 people working in factories and offices across the country, many of whom are employed in manufacturing and engineering.
For further information about the Hull project please visit www.siemens.co.uk/hull
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