Chris McDonald says GE wind turbine deal places Teesside at forefront of green revolution
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 11/03/2021
Chris McDonald, the Chief Executive of Middlesbrough-based research and innovation centre, the Materials Processing Institute, said: “Confirmation that GE Renewable Energy is to create a huge offshore wind blade manufacturing facility here on Teesside places this region front and centre of the UK’s growing green economy.
“Teesside and the wider North East has a supply chain that is already leading the way in the development of clean energy and the decarbonisation process.This facility can only strengthen that position and attract further investment to the area.
“This decision follows on from the announcement in last week’s budget that Teesside has been granted freeport status along with a £20m investment in the pivotal Teesworks Offshore Manufacturing Centre.”
Chris added that the Institute, which is itself leading a £22m government-funded project to increase productivity and sustainability within the steel and metals sector, is an example of the synergy that exists within the region that is helping to drive the green revolution.
“Of course, the creation of 750 jobs is to be welcomed, along with the potential of 1,500 more within the supply chain, but of greater significance is that these are in a rapidly expanding sector that is full of opportunity – one that is set to transform the industrial landscape, with Teesside at its heart.”
11 March 2021
