Gamesa to build £125million offshore wind farm in Scotland
Spanish wind energy business Gamesa has selected the Port of Leith for the establishment of a major offshore manufacturing base in the UK.
The company said the site, which will house blade and nacelles manufacture, port logistics and O&M services, would be an important part of its long term strategic relationship with the UK and a commitment to establishing the UK as the centre of its global offshore wind operations.
The new facility is expected to create about 800 new jobs and represents an initial investment of approximately €150million (£125m).
Gamesa's decision to choose the Port of Leith followed a detailed process to identify a partner port to meet the company's manufacturing and operational requirements while 'providing the optimum commercial solution'.
In 2011, Gamesa established a new R&D facility in Strathclyde, which currently employs 60 engineers. The company is in the process of moving its global offshore wind headquarters to its new London offices with an expected headcount of 70.
Prime Minister David Cameron said the announcement was fantastic news for Scotland and one that showed that the UK remains an attractive place for foreign investment.
First Minister Alex Salmond added: "I'm delighted that Gamesa has chosen Scotland as its preferred location for the manufacture of its new model of offshore wind turbines. This is terrific news, meaning up to 1000 jobs and €150million of investment in Scotland."
