£130m project investment will create 170-highly skilled jobs in the UK
About the project
This is a cornerstone project for the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in offshore wind and marks a major milestone in the country’s energy transition. We are proud to be investing in this project alongside the UK government and all our investors and partners.
The initial project investment is estimated at £130m, which will be part funded by a grant from the BEIS Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Support scheme. The remaining funding is planned to be met by JDR and TFKable with support expected from financial institutions and UK Export Finance.
The new facility is the first stage of JDR’s expansion of its product portfolio, adding high voltage export and long length array cables to its existing capacity and product capabilities. It will work collaboratively with JDR’s current facilities in Hartlepool and Littleport, whilst also complementing existing capacity provided by the two UK manufacturing centres. When complete, the site will include a new catenary continuous vulcanisation (CCV) line, making it the only facility in the UK capable of full start-to-finish manufacturing of high voltage subsea cables for offshore wind farms to support the growing global renewable energy market.
Investing in our future
As the UK nurtures its offshore energy lead, the North East is reasserting itself as a manufacturing heartland of the country, not least in Northumberland and North of the Tyne, but also in Hartlepool and Teeside.
Blyth is already home to the Port of Blyth, Blyth Offshore Wind Farm and the Offshore Renewable Catapult among other organisations and is quickly establishing itself as a home for offshore engineering talent – JDR is proud to offer even more offshore energy career opportunities here.
The site of the former coal-fired Blyth Power Station was previously earmarked for clean coal and turbine manufacturing projects which didn’t materialise – it seems apt that the site finally becomes a focus for the UK’s energy transition and we’re proud to be the company that makes that happen.
Bringing high-skilled energy jobs back to the North East
JDR is already invested in and committed to the North East through our Hartlepool facility in County Durham. We understand this part of the country, its industrial heritage and the importance of the offshore wind sector in rebuilding the regional manufacturing economy.
With this new investment in Northumberland, we are doubling down on that commitment, with a project that will create 170 high-quality local jobs and safeguard a further 270 roles at JDR in the UK. The facility will support many more roles throughout the UK supply chain and local economy – with more potential opportunities to follow if future planning phases come to fruition, which could see over 400 staff working at the Blyth site.
The Cambois and Blyth area is rapidly firming its status as a powerhouse in the North East economy. JDR will take an active role and collaborate with local companies and organisations, such as ORE Catapult, with initiatives to develop local talent and encourage applications for JDR roles across the new facility. The company will build on its existing STEM engagement and apprenticeship schemes, offering young people an opportunity to join the offshore energy sector.
Project timeline
(Interactive) Construction to start in 2022
Quote from our CEO, Tomasz Nowak
“JDR’s new facility is a shining example of a modern British success story: a company founded on engineering excellence, with a track record of supporting energy businesses around the world, investing in UK communities while helping the world embrace the energy transition.”
Our history and expertise
Over 25 years, JDR has acquired extensive and rare subsea cable and umbilical product expertise with over 3,000km of advanced subsea cables and umbilicals deployed globally. In the same time period, TFK has strengthened its world class high voltage, high quality and advanced productivity land cable technology. An integrated JDR and TFK project team will deliver the facility expansion, working with specialist construction and equipment suppliers to complement the combined team’s product and processing knowledge. This collaborative approach will enable the TFK Group and JDR to leverage all essential skills necessary to bring this competitive UK proposition for MV and HV Cabling to the market to support our customers.