Siemens appoints VolkerFitzpatrick to build Hull blade factory

Siemens today announced it had appointed leading UK contractor VolkerFitzpatrick to build its wind turbine blade factory in Hull.

Siemens said VolkerFitzpatrick’s bid was the most competitive and robust proposal for construction of the 40,000sqm facility. Construction will begin next month (August), with the factory scheduled to be completed in autumn 2016, to allow for the production of the first blades by the end of 2016. Around 200 jobs will be created during construction.

The facility will accommodate the manufacture of 75m turbine blades and the assembly, maintenance, storage and distribution of wind turbine components. The contract also involves the construction of office accommodation and welfare facilities.

Siemens VolkerFitzpatrick blade factory Hull — VolkerFitzpatrick will build Siemens' wind turbine blade factory in Hull.

Shaun Cray, Siemens’ General Manager, Real Estate and Construction, for the Hull project, said VolkerFitzpatrick had been chosen from an exceptionally strong shortlist of contractors.

He said: “VolkerFitzpatrick presented the most competitive and robust bid, with strong environmental and health and safety processes, a highly experienced project team and track record to deliver the project.

“A further key factor in VolkerFitzpatrick’s selection is their commitment to a significant proportion of local and regional suppliers and sub-contractors, with the entire supply chain within the UK.

“In addition, they have a strong record of performance with Siemens, having delivered rail depot projects for us in the UK. We can trust them to deliver a facility of the highest quality on time and on budget.”

VolkerFitzpatrick Managing Director Richard Offord said: “We are very proud to have been awarded the contract to build the blade factory for Siemens in Hull. This facility is a key element in establishing a new renewable energy industry in the UK, creating employment and wealth for the region. We look forward to working in collaboration with Siemens, stakeholders and our supply chain to demonstrate a one team approach for delivering this project.”

He added: “We have a positive policy of promoting local employment on all our projects, both directly and via our supply chain of subcontractors and material suppliers.

“For this project, we aim to employ 40% of total labour within a 50-mile radius with 25% from within a 20-mile radius. The majority of our key trade packages are within the north of England, as too is most of their labour.”

Siemens’ Hull Project Director Finbarr Dowling said: “We are delighted to have signed the contract for construction of the blade factory, which is another significant milestone for the project.

“People will soon see steel rising from the ground and be able to observe our progress as this state-of-the-art facility takes shape.”

With partner Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens is investing £310m in the Hull project – the city’s biggest ever inward investment. Siemens will employ around 1,000 people on the site, the majority within the blade factory.