Siemens turbine factory will create 700 jobs

Hundreds of jobs will be created through a new £80m wind turbine factory built by Siemens. The offshore wind turbine production facility could be built on the east coast or in the north east of England.

Siemens said 700 jobs could be created and said new turbines could be running by 2015, aimed at meeting future demand for renewable energy in the UK.

Peter Loscher, president and chief executive of Siemens, 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 characterised by major offshore projects, and we'll extend our market leadership with the new production plant."

Energy and climate change secretary Mr Miliband said: "This is a vote of confidence from one of the foremost companies in the offshore wind sector, looking to set up a base in the UK.

"More proof that we're exploiting the great natural resource that we have and creating the right conditions to attract investment. Siemens' investment will help create jobs and help us meet our renewable energy targets."

A Siemens spokesman said it was hoped that a factory could be built and operational by 2014, with the first turbines turning by 2015.

Andreas Goss, the firm's chief executive in the UK, said: "The new Siemens wind turbine factory will create around 700 new local jobs once it is in production, as well as additional indirect jobs in the supply chain. With the anticipated growth in the renewables market, there is potential for expansion of the facility in the future.

"This £80m investment, plus additional investment in our UK infrastructure for renewables, will provide a much-needed economic boost for the region, as well as driving growth in the UK's innovative wind power industry."

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "Siemens are a world leader in wind technology and this is a fantastic endorsement of the UK as a destination for renewable energy businesses.

"Siemens' plans will provide hundreds of manufacturing jobs and many more in the supply chain - confirming the UK as a world leader in offshore wind."