A maker of parts for wind farms is to build a factory in Teesside that will create more than 2,000 jobs, in a huge boost for the North-East.
South Korean SeAH Wind has chosen Teesworks to invest up to £300 million to make steel foundations for offshore wind turbines from a 90-acre site next to the River Tees.
The new factory is expected to create 750 direct jobs and over 1,500 more in the supply chain. SeAH say the factory will be fully operational by 2026.
The new state-owned UK Infrastructure Bank is also investing £107 million to help create a new quay to serve the offshore wind sector next to the factory plot.
Joosung Lee, SeAH Chief Executive said:
“SeAH wants to contribute to the UK offshore wind industry by working with the UK Government.”
“We are pleased to take the first yet significant step for this goal in Teesside. We will endeavour to make our factory globally competitive as well as become a good member of the community.”
The investment comes after the area was given Freeport status in late 2021, creating an attractive tax regime for businesses including stamp duty and business rates relief.
Boris Johnson’s Government has said it wants to quadruple UK offshore wind capacity by 2030, and is keen to make sure jobs from the expansion are created in the UK.
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley’s Conservative mayor said:
“This is another transformational project that places Teesside as the UK lead for clean, green manufacturing.
“SeAH is an internationally recognised manufacturing company with an incredible reputation for quality and it’s a real coup that we’ve been able to secure their investment for Teesside.”
Councillor Mary Lanigan, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council added:
“SeAH is putting its faith in Teesworks and the Teesside workforce to deliver an industry of the future and provide well-paid, quality jobs in Redcar and Cleveland.”
“We have always known about the potential of the site and now it is fantastic to see that potential starting to be realised.”
SeAH indicate construction will start in July.
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