Following an agreement in principle with the UK Government, Vestas plans to repurpose its Isle of Wight factory to manufacture onshore wind blades, primarily to support the growing UK market. Currently, the factory produces blades for the V174 offshore turbine, but demand for this product is declining, and the facility is not equipped for the next generation of offshore blades.
Transition to Onshore Blade Production
The shift to onshore blade manufacturing comes in response to increased demand for onshore wind energy in the UK, particularly after the government lifted the de facto onshore wind ban in England. This strategic move is expected to sustain approximately 300 jobs at the Isle of Wight site, which currently employs around 600 people across manufacturing, logistics, and support functions.
Job Sustainability and Opportunities
The agreement with the UK government not only secures existing jobs but is also anticipated to create a “significant number of opportunities” in other areas of Vestas’ business, including roles that support UK operations and other Vestas factories. The company’s technology activities, which employ about 140 people on the island, will remain unaffected and continue to serve as a center of excellence for blade research, design, and development.
Anders Nielsen, Vestas’ Group Chief Technology and Operations Officer, stated, “We have invested in jobs and manufacturing activities on the Isle of Wight for more than two decades. We take great pride in the technical expertise that has been developed at the site. This partnership with the UK Government allows us to continue manufacturing activities to support onshore wind deployment in the UK.”
Commitment to Domestic Manufacturing
Nielsen highlighted the vital role of the UK Government’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and clean energy in facilitating this decision. “My sincere gratitude goes to everyone working for us on the Isle of Wight, for their significant contribution to wind energy. We are pleased to retain and offer a significant number of opportunities for our impacted colleagues during this process.”
Next Steps
Vestas will now enter a consultation process with employee representatives, aiming to provide clarity for most employees by January 2025. Following this announcement, Vestas employs over 33,000 people globally, with more than 1,500 in the United Kingdom across both onshore and offshore activities.
Sources
- Vestas – Isle of Wight Factory Transition Announcement
- UK Government – Renewable Energy Policy Updates
- Wind Energy News – Vestas and Onshore Wind Developments
