Port boost could see 'thousands of jobs'
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Vestas announce jobs
boost for Kent
EXCLUSIVE
A massive investment in the Port of Sheerness could see the
creation of 2,000 jobs - a move welcomed by business and
environment leaders today.
Danish firm Vestas was due to announce Wednesday that it had
signed an agreement with Peel Ports to take over 70 hectares of
land in the docks.
It aims to build a manufacturing and installation facility for
massive offshore wind turbines.
At the time of going to press, details were sketchy but it is
understood the project will go ahead if the company receives orders
to supply its V164-7.0MW turbines to UK wind farms.
Vestas show how they plan
to transform docks
Britain represents the world's largest offshore wind market and
Vestas says it is "committed to working with the government and
offshore wind stakeholders" to supply turbines.
A spokesman said: "Vestas is prepared to make the necessary,
significant investment in turning the option into a full lease and
building the planned new production facilities, thereby creating
more than 2,000 direct and indirect new jobs - provided the
V164-7.0MW order pipeline materialises as expected."
Vestas is the largest wind turbine manufacturer in the world and
was set to outline its plans at the port on Wednesday morning.
Anders Søe-Jensen, president of Vestas Offshore, said: "We have
shown our intentions to make major investments and subsequent job
creation, but it is evident that we don't just jump head first into
an investment of this size.
"We need to make sure it makes sense business
wise."
It is believed several ports around Britain had been bidding for
the facility as it would mean a massive boost to local
economies.
Peel Ports was unavailable for comment.
The development comes just two months after Morrisons announced
plans to build a superstore at Neats Court, Queenborough, which
will create 300 jobs.
Reacting to the news Gordon Henderson MP said he was looking
forward to finding out the finer details.
He added that the announcement follows "lots of hard work by
lots of people" including himself to attract investment.
He called for the government, KCC and Swale Borough Council to
work together to ensure all financial and planning issues are
sorted so the development will go ahead.
Swale council's leader Councillor Andrew Bowles welcomed the
news.
He said: "We are delighted at the prospect of what this
announcement means for Swale and for Sheerness specifically.
"We have been working with SEEDA, Peel Ports and Kent County
Council for almost a year and a half to arrive at this point and
clearly are very pleased that such a major, industry-leading
company has formally announced its firm interest in locating in the
borough.
"While due planning processes have to be adhered to, a
manufacturing base of such a scale could see the creation of
thousands of jobs in the borough.
"Although there is a long way to go, such an announcement is
extremely positive news for everyone on the Island and in Swale as
a whole."
Read
our business editor's view of the plan
Greenpeace UK's executive director John Sauven said: "This is
excellent news and shows that there are real jobs and huge
opportunities for the UK in renewable energy.
"The government now needs to create the right regulatory
framework to build a sustainable green economy.
"This must include removing the blockages to faster take up of
renewable energy including giving the green investment bank the
ability to borrow money and setting ambitious renewable energy
targets beyond 2020."
Peter Symons, director of business development at Locate in Kent
said: "It is excellent news for Kent that Danish company Vestas has
announced its plan to locate a facility to manufacture wind
turbines at Sheerness Port.
"The Vestas plant will build on the county's already excellent
credentials - its two existing wind farms and another under
construction - London Array - which, once complete will be the
world's largest.
"The wind energy industry is a key growth sector for the UK and
Locate in Kent has been aware for some time that Kent has a
particularly important role to play.
"We've been working in this sector for several years and began
speaking to London Array six years ago and Vestas in 2010.
"Vestas' commitment to Kent reflects something we've known for a
long time - the county represents an excellent opportunity for
the offshore wind industry.
"Its coastline has several ports and harbours with excellent
facilities to support both construction and operations and
maintenance activities.
"Sheerness Port is part of the Medway Superhub, which offers
more than 200ha of development land.
"These sites, along with its position between the North Sea and
the Channel, the area's excellent links to London, the rest of the
UK and the continent and its long maritime history, make it an
ideal location to attract companies across the supply chain."
Tuesday, May 10 2011
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