170 jobs to be created at new factory in Cambois

Offshore wind cabling manufacturer JDR Cable Systems Ltd is receiving funding from the Government’s £160million Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme, which, together with private investment from the company, will see £130million invested in facilities to develop and build components for next generation wind turbines.

The investment will be used to build a new factory in Cambois, creating 170 jobs, while safeguarding 270 jobs at JDR Cable Systems’ existing factory in Hartlepool.

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The UK’s offshore wind sector is a major industrial success story, but we need to ensure local workers and manufacturers fully reap the economic benefits of this booming industry.

“This major investment is a perfect example of how our transition to a low carbon economy can attract new industries, create jobs, reduce our reliance on unreliable fossil fuels and generate export opportunities as we build back greener from the pandemic.”

Through the £130million investment, JDR Cable Systems’ new facility on the former Blyth Power Station will supply its Hartlepool site with state-of-the-art cable cores and high voltage underwater cabling.

Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone said: “Just as the UK led the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago, we are now spearheading the Green Industrial Revolution and we are building a manufacturing base that reflects our position as a world leader in offshore wind technology.”

Tomasz Nowak, Chief Executive Officer at JDR, said: “As the energy transition gathers pace and the UK’s offshore wind sector continues to thrive, turbines are growing taller and farther from shore, calling for higher voltage subsea cables.

“We’re delighted to build on our legacy as a leading provider of subsea cables to the offshore energy sector by investing in this new facility.

“We’re also delighted to continue our investment in the North East of England, and in bringing new jobs to Cambois, Blyth and Northumberland.

"Our proposed facility is strategically located to capitalise on the rapidly growing and largest offshore renewable energy market in Europe.”

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery has welcomed the news and another step to Cambois becoming a world leader in green energy.

He said: “This is more fantastic news for Cambois and the surrounding area in the goal for the region to become a world leader in green energy and spearhead the Green Industrial Revolution that this country and the climate so desperately needs.

“The area once world renowned for its production of coal is fast becoming at the forefront of green technology and the UK’s battle against climate change.

“These new jobs are exciting for the region which has long been held back through lack of investment in industry and infrastructure.

“They also must come with the accompanying investment in our infrastructure, in particularly transport, to ensure they are accessible to those who need them most, as well as the commitment to training and upskilling local workers.”

Cllr Jeff Watson, Chair of Advance Northumberland, said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to support this facility, which will be another major employer in south-east Northumberland – once the site of much heavy industry.

"We’re thrilled JDR is able to make this announcement and will continue to support them as the scheme moves forward.”

Helen Golightly, Chief Executive at the North East LEP, which oversees the region’s 21 Enterprise Zones, said: “It’s excellent news that JDR has chosen the NEP1 Enterprise Zone site as the location for its new facility. Developing manufacturing capacity and supporting the creation of jobs in the offshore and subsea sector in the region is a strategic priority for the North East LEP.”

RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said: "The offshore wind industry is leading the Prime Minister's Green Industrial Revolution by creating high-quality skilled jobs throughout the country, especially in coastal areas which need new opportunities.

"Investments like JDR Cables demonstrate the industrial-scale economic benefits that decarbonisation is bringing and will help us to reach net zero emissions as fast as possible."