MHI Vestas Adds New Blade Mould to Isle of Wight Inventory

MHI Vestas has received a new blade mould at its factory on the Isle of Wight, UK, as part of manufacturing expansion efforts.

The new mould, second of its type at the factory, is expected to contribute to the promise that the expansion will add 1,100 new direct, indirect and induced jobs and GBP 42 million additional economic benefit per year to the Solent region once fully operational.

MHI Vestas said that major preparations are now underway to begin production as early as January 2019.

“Among all the uncertainty these days, it’s quite a remarkable image: a massive blade mould comes into the UK with hundreds of new employees readying themselves for years of serial production. It’s offshore wind at its finest, actually – large-scale manufacturing, sustainable jobs, considerable economic benefit to local communities, and a green energy source driving the UK toward a carbon-free future,” said MHI Vestas UK Country Manager, Julian Brown.

As reported earlier, the Denmark-headquartered offshore wind turbine manufacturer kicked off a major recruiting campaign for its Isle of Wight factory on 15 October due to a growing demand for its V164 wind turbine platform.

Blades have been manufactured at the Isle of Wight factory since 2015, with serial production commencing in 2017.

“This expansion effort is one of the most ambitious blade initiatives we have ever undertaken,” said MHI Vestas Vice President of Blades, Bo Jensen.

“In close cooperation with the Isle of Wight Council, Isle of Wight College and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, our training and certification programs are paving the way for the next generation of offshore wind specialists. This development of green energy manufacturing skills will not only benefit MHI Vestas but will also serve to elevate the regional composites industry as well.”