A total of 300 new jobs are now being recruited for in Hull as Siemens Gamesa staffs up its expanding blade plant.
The footprint of the Green Port manufacturing site has been doubled in a £186 million investment in the city, and now headcount is being ramped up in readiness to operate it. A total workforce of 1,200 has been envisaged in the medium term, with a flexing of numbers to meet production demand seen in recent years.
It comes as the UK offshore wind development pipeline combined with operational sites stands at virtually 100 gigawatts, across 130 projects. Global demand is more than 10 times that, according to trade body RenewableUK. Hull-built blades - of which there are now more than 2,000 harnessing green energy - feature in the two largest British farms, off the Humber at Hornsea, as well as others off the coastline and in European waters.
Read more: Latest North Sea wind farm plan could power Humber hydrogen production
Andy Sykes, Hull Blade Factory plant director for Siemens Gamesa, said: “We have come so far in such a short period of time and to have the opportunity to grow our team to over 800 people shows the important role we are all playing in all our energy futures.”
Expansion of the site, commissioned in 2016, has seen a further 41,000 sq m of production space added as it meets the industry’s need to scale up as turbines get ever-larger. Work continues on the build on Sir William Siemens Way at Alexandra Dock. Last week it saw first production of a new 108m blade.
The city council is now partnering with Siemens Gamesa to support the recruitment drive, with a special event planned for Thursday.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “This is a fantastic initiative organised by the council’s Employment Hub team and Siemens Gamesa.
“Having been on a factory tour of its Alexandra Dock factory, I know first-hand the amazing work which Siemens Gamesa does and continues to do, all whilst supporting Hull’s economy as a key employer in the city.
“Previous recruitment drives like this have proved extremely popular, with thousands attending the events, so my advice is to declare your interest early so that you don’t miss out.”
The event takes place between 9.30am and 3pm at the Employment Hub, part of Hull Central Library in Albion Street.
Jobs available include production operatives and warehouse workers, and the event will provide the opportunity for face-to-face discussions about the roles on offer.
The company, in the process of being wholly bought out by Siemens - having been a joint venture between it and Spanish-owned Gamesa - is particularly targeting the unemployed, those looking for a career change, veterans and women looking to return to work.
Those wishing to attend should call 01482 616623 to express interest.
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