Siemens to build £80m wind turbine factory in the UK

Siemens AG has today announced significant investment in the UK offshore wind manufacturing sector, set to create around 700 local jobs and a number of further jobs in the supply chain. The company is in the process of identifying a suitable site on the East or North East coast.
The Prime Minister signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Peter Löscher, President and CEO of Siemens AG, alongside Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband.

Mr Löscher said:
“With the new wind turbine production plant in the UK we’re pushing ahead with our strategy of investments in attractive growth markets for eco-friendly technology. In the foreseeable future the wind power market in the UK will be characterized by major offshore projects, and we’ll extend our market leadership with the new production plant.”

Commenting on the announcement, RenewableUK Chief Executive Maria McCaffery said:

“Today’s announcement clearly demonstrates the long term potential of the UK’s offshore wind market. RenewableUK, as the country’s leading renewable trade association, is delighted that a company with such a long tradition of excellence is joining in this pioneering project. This announcement and the involvement from Siemens shows what can be achieved when industry and Government work together to create the right investment conditions, and gives us confidence that as a country we will deliver on our renewable energy targets.”