WIND farm giant Vestas, whose UK arm is based in Warrington, is cutting 600 out of 1,100 UK employees, blaming difficulties in gaining planning permission and lack of government support.
Danish-based Vestas is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines with 20 per cent of the global market. Its blade manufacturing and research plant at Newport on the Isle of Wight is likely to close and there will be job cuts at other UK locations.
Vestas-Celtic Wind Technology Limited manufactures wind turbines at Machrihanish near Campbeltown in Scotland, but runs its UK sales and service operation from Birchwood Park, Warrington.
The company became main sponsor of Warrington Wolves RL Club at the start of the current Superleague season.
Ditlev Engel, chief executive, said the company was attracted to the UK by the government’s plans to increase energy from renewables but had found it was one of the most difficult places in the world to get planning permission.
Greenpeace said the cutbacks had happened because the government had failed to remove planning obstacles which slowed down wind farm development.
Energy minister Mike O’Brien said. “Measures set out in the Budget will offer renewed support to the wind industry and help to move potential projects towards construction, which could mean more business for Vestas. These measures have been welcomed by the renewables industry.
“Regrettably, some people face possible redundancy and the government will be offering support to those affected. However, Vestas have indicated that the steps we have taken will have a positive influence on the possibility of them producing blades in the UK. We will continue to work with the company to help this happen.”
Greg Clark, the shadow energy and climate change secretary, said: “These job losses are very sad news for Vestas workers and their families. The government has been told for months that many of these wind projects are in jeopardy but has waited far too long to act.
“Britain has the best offshore wind, wave and tidal resources in Europe and yet still produces less of its energy from renewable sources than almost any other major European country.”
The cutback is not expected to have any effect on Vestas’ sponsorship of Wolves.
WIND farm giant Vestas, whose UK arm is based in Warrington, is cutting
600 out of 1,100 UK employees, blaming difficulties in gaining planning
permission and lack of government support.
Wolves' sponsors to shed 600 jobs
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
