Siemens appoints VolkerFitzpatrick to construct Hull wind turbine factory

Energy giant Siemens has appointed UK contractor VolkerFitzpatrick to build its wind turbine blade factory in Hull.

VolkerFitzpatrick was awarded the contract after delivering a competitive bid and efficient proposal for the construction of the 40,000sqm facility.

Commencing next month, construction of the factory is 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 cater for 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.

Shaun Cray, Siemens’ general manager, real estate and construction, for the Hull project, 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 is a multi-disciplinary civil engineering and construction group with an annual turnover of approximately £400m. The company is a market leader in the construction of high-quality industrial and distribution facilities.

Founded in 1921 as Fitzpatrick Contractors, the company has grown organically and now employs more than 600 people. VolkerFitzpatrick is part of VolkerWessels UK, a multi-disciplinary construction and civil engineering group with a turnover of around £800m and more than 2,400 staff. The group is the UK arm of Dutch-based VolkerWessels, one of the largest construction groups in Europe.

As well as the Siemens contract, VolkerFitzpatrick is currently working to strengthen the Albert Dock wall along the Humber in Hull and improving flood defences in Cleethorpes and Grimsby.

Richard Offord, VolkerFitzpatrick’s managing director, 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.

“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.”

With partner Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens is also 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.