Renewable energy leader Siemens Gamesa is set to expand its wind turbine manufacturing plant on the Humber, a move that will create 40 new jobs.
The company has submitted detailed plans to Hull City Council for the construction of a new manufacturing building adjacent to its existing facilities at Alexandra Dock in Hull.
This expansion is expected to bring “significant economic, social, and environmental benefit” to the city.
Expansion Details and Economic Impact
The proposed multi-purpose manufacturing building will be 17.55 meters high, 144 meters long, and over 38 meters wide.
A small staff welfare building is also part of the proposal. Siemens Gamesa, a key player within the broader Siemens Energy business, has shown its commitment to the region with this expansion.
Although the company reported operating profits of £20.7 million, down from £96.5 million in 2022. It had already announced the creation of hundreds of new jobs at the Hull plant last year. This was part of a £186 million investment into the city.
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A spokesperson for Siemens Gamesa confirmed the company currently employs over 1,300 people at the blade factory. 600 have joined in the past 12 months alone.
The planning application notes 40 additional staff members are expected to work in the proposed new building, further enhancing the plant’s capacity.
Architectural and Planning Considerations
Architects Franks Shaw Associates have submitted renderings of the new building, indicating that it will match the size of the existing facility.
The construction is designed to support the growing output demands for the production and repair of wind turbine blades, a key component of Siemens Gamesa’s renewable energy solutions.
The planning application highlights the numerous benefits of the expansion:
It says:
“The proposal for the provision of the additional building at the SGRE (Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy) Wind Turbine production facilities will be of significant benefit; increasing the provision of the renewable energy industry in Hull whilst ensuring the long-term viability of the existing facility.”
Strategic Importance for Local and National Growth
The proposed development aligns with broader objectives to create a robust and prosperous economy.
Planning policies and decisions will recognize the specific locational requirements of different sectors, with significant weight placed on supporting economic growth and productivity.
This approach allows regions to build on their strengths, address any weaknesses, and tackle future challenges effectively.
The planning application further states:
“This is particularly important where Britain can be a global leader in driving innovation, and in areas with high levels of productivity, which should be able to capitalize on their performance potential.”
Siemens Gamesa’s Commitment to Hull
A spokesperson for Siemens Gamesa added:
“A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a new manufacturing building and staff welfare building at our existing Alexandra Dock site in Hull. The proposals would support continued demand for our offshore wind blades, enhancing facilities at the site.”
