UK Government announces that it will create 1,340 jobs across the Humber region
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August 12, 2021
On Monday the 9th of August, the UK Government announced that it will continue to significantly boost its offshore wind manufacturing industry, with over 1,340 jobs created across the Humber region thanks to £266m of UK government and private sector investment.
Offshore wind manufacturers Siemens Gamesa and GRI Renewable Industries will receive grant funding from the Government’s £160m Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme, announced as part of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, to further develop manufacturing facilities in the Humber region.
Both companies will be supplying essential components to offshore wind farms providing clean power across the UK – as well as for export around the world.
Siemens Gamesa will invest a total of £186m to expand its blade manufacturing site located near Hull, creating up to 1,080 direct jobs.
As a result of the investment, the company will be able to manufacture the next generation of offshore wind turbines and blades greater than 100 meters.
Additionally, GRI Renewable Industries is the second confirmed company to build facilities at Able Marine Energy Park, Hull, with £78m investment in an offshore wind turbine tower factory, creating up to 260 direct jobs.
This follows the announcement of over £180m of private sector investment from offshore wind manufacturers in the Humber and in Newcastle-upon-Tyne last month, and another £95m from Government to create two new offshore wind ports on the Humber and on Teesside earlier this year.
Regarding the announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The Humber region embodies the UK’s green industrial revolution, with new investment into developing the next generation of wind turbines set to create new jobs, export opportunities and clean power across the country.”
Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “With its close proximity to some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms and strong skills base, the Humber region is vitally important for the growth of the British offshore wind industry and is at the heart of our green recovery.
“Our announcement backed by private investment will give a boost to this important industrial heartland, creating and supporting thousands of good quality jobs across the region while ensuring it is on the frontline of developing the next generation of offshore wind turbines.”
