Confirmation that GE Renewable Energy is to build an offshore wind turbine blade manufacturing facility on Teesside puts the area at the forefront of the UK’s growing green economy, says Chris McDonald of the Materials Processing Institute.
Due to open in 2023, it will create 750 jobs with a further 1,500 in the supply chain, it will supply the Dogger Bank wind project which will become the world’s largest scheme on completion in 2026.
Chris, who is Chief Executive of the Institute, said: “Teesside and the wider North East has a supply chain that is already leading the way in the development of clean energy and the decarbonisation process This facility can only strengthen that position and attract further investment to the area.
“This decision follows on from the announcement in last week’s budget that Teesside has been granted freeport status along with a £20m investment in the pivotal Teesworks Offshore Manufacturing Centre.”
Chris added that the Institute, which is itself leading a £22m government-funded project to increase productivity and sustainability within the steel and metals sector, is an example of the synergy that exists within the region that is helping to drive the green revolution.
“Of course, the creation of 750 jobs is to be welcomed, along with the potential of 1,500 more within the supply chain, but of greater significance is that these are in a rapidly expanding sector that is full of opportunity – one that is set to transform the industrial landscape, with Teesside at its heart.”
