£20m Government Grant Secures Future Of Vestas Factory And More Than 300 Island Jobs

More than 300 jobs at the Vestas wind turbine blade factory in Newport have been secured after the government confirmed a £20 million grant to safeguard the site’s future.

The Danish manufacturer has operated on the Isle of Wight for more than 20 years, but the factory faced an uncertain future last year after demand for the specific offshore blades produced there came to an end.

Plans to manufacture the next generation of larger offshore blades were ruled out due to logistical constraints at the site, prompting urgent talks with government over alternative uses for the facility.

Following intervention from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, an agreement was reached to transition the factory’s operations.

The confirmed funding will now enable the Newport site to become the UK’s only onshore wind blade manufacturing facility.

The move follows the government’s decision to lift the onshore wind ban, reviving an industry that had seen little growth for almost a decade.

Ministers say the investment will protect jobs, secure the long-term future of the factory and position the Isle of Wight as a key player in the UK’s clean energy transition.

The government says the decision supports its aim to deliver clean power by 2030, strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, helping to improve energy security and bring down bills.

Climate Minister Katie White said saving the Newport factory was essential.

She said:

“It was a no-brainer to protect the Vestas factory on the Isle of Wight and create the country’s only dedicated onshore wind blade facility.

“Onshore wind is one of our cheapest and fastest technologies to build, it supports thousands of skilled jobs and delivers clean energy directly to the communities that host it.

“While our thoughts are with those who have lost their jobs, safeguarding more than 300 roles protects one of the Island’s largest employers and gives Britain the ability to produce the clean, homegrown power we need.”

Vestas has welcomed the partnership with government. Ken Kaser, Senior Vice President for Blades Manufacturing, said the company’s connection with the Isle of Wight remains strong.

“Vestas and the Isle of Wight have a long and proud history of manufacturing world-class wind turbine blades,” he said.

“We are delighted to work with government to support skilled jobs, strengthen the UK supply chain and place the Newport site at the heart of the country’s clean energy future.”

The government says its wider onshore wind strategy could support up to 45,000 skilled jobs nationwide by 2030 across engineering, construction and maintenance roles.