'Dundee is no longer an option' — major blow as city loses bid for Gamesa wind turbine jobs
Dundee has been dealt a major blow, with wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa announcing it has ruled out building a multi-million-pound factory in the city that would have created 1,800 jobs.
- By Stefan Morkis and Graham Huband, business editor
- Published in the Courier : 03.12.11
- Published online : 03.12.11 @ 10.11am
The Spanish company issued a statement just before 4pm on Friday announcing Dundee is no longer being considered as a manufacturing base because there is not enough space at the port.
The decision comes less than a year after the firm signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of investing in the city.
Despite the loss of Gamesa, city leaders remain confident the offshore wind sector will lead to a manufacturing boom in Dundee. Several companies are said to be interested in investing, with Perth-based SSE publicly declaring its interest less than two hours after the Gamesa announcement.
Dundee — which has long been regarded as a prime site for investment by renewable energy technology firms — was competing with Hartlepool to secure the 150 million euro Gamesa deal. It has now emerged that the company may opt to invest in Edinburgh instead of either location, after it was suggested as an alternative site by Forth Ports, the company which also owns Dundee Port.
A statement issued by Gamesa stated: ''Gamesa estimates that the investment in the UK within its offshore plan will amount to some 150 million euros, and as such requires thorough analysis of all potential sites.
''Gamesa can confirm that Dundee is no longer an option for the company. Dundee can't accommodate Gamesa's foreseen offshore requirements in terms of timescales and scope in order to achieve the company's overall business plan objectives regarding the manufacture of our offshore wind turbines.
''As a result, Leith — offered by Forth Ports whilst also taking into consideration the infrastructure programme recently announced by Scottish Enterprise — is now being considered as an alternative site that merits thorough evaluation by Gamesa. Hartlepool also continues to be evaluated by Gamesa and the company continues an open dialogue, exchange of information and negotiation with PD Ports regarding this.''
The statement continued: ''Gamesa estimates the development of its offshore wind business in the United Kingdom will create over 1,000 direct jobs and a further 800 indirect jobs locally.''
Forth Ports chief executive Charles Hammond said he still believes Dundee will become key to Scotland's offshore wind industry.
He said: ''We are working closely with a number of potential manufacturers in the renewables industry as well as the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council. There is a high level of interest in the Port of Dundee as a location for a renewables hub and we are making good progress with these inquiries. We are confident that Dundee will play a major role in the Scottish renewables industry.''
That view was backed later in the afternoon when SSE — which works with technical partners Siemens and Mitsubishi — announced it is considering a significant investment in Dundee.
A spokesman said: ''Along with our supply partners, SSE has been considering a number of locations that might be suitable as support sites for future offshore renewable operations. No announcement around this has been made yet, but Dundee continues to be one of the strongest locations under consideration.''
Continued...
12.28pm - 03.12.2011 mark - dundee, scotland Report This
Once again another sterling performance from Dundee City Council and the MPs for bringing work to our city. It shows you, that what you put in, you get the same out, big fat zero. Hope your happy Dundee City Council, now you can concentrate in your pensions and more strike action.
02.55pm - 03.12.2011 Sean O' - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I see the usual SNP suspects are missing today. I can see why. Alex Salmond trumpeted Dundee in an opportunistic pre -election gamble, and since then the silence from Dundee SNP and SNP HQ has been deafening. They got elected though.
07.39pm - 04.12.2011 RJ - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The SNP have really let us down - they made it sound almost certain that we'd be getting the jobs. Now it seems they might be off to Edinburgh, or not even to Scotland at all! I knew things were bad when Salmond stopped mentioning it all the time.
10.57am - 05.12.2011 Ann - Dunfermline, Scotland Report This
How have the SNP or councillors let you down? The reason given by Gemsa is that "There is not enough space at the port." Yes it is a disappointment, but not all is lost. There is still interest from companies in developing the port as a base of renewables.
03.19pm - 05.12.2011 Craig - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Forth Ports have been clever - an interested party in Leith but still know Dundee Port is the best location for the many smaller projects kicking about - either manufacturing or assembly but not both - just not enough room. Too much doom and gloom from fellow Dundonians - it doesn't help.
08.16pm - 05.12.2011 Stewart - Dundee, UK Report This
Have to agree with Craig here, Dundonians are far to critical of the city. I'm 22 and have lived in various parts of Scotland (Stirling, Glasgow, Aberdeen) and Dundee is by far the most vibrant and forward-thinking place I have stayed. Keep an ear open in the coming months regarding renewables.
10.54pm - 06.12.2011 Matt, Student - Dundee, Scotland U.K. Report This
@ Ann, where have you been? Salmond has more advisers than can wave a stick at, yet you would have us believe not one of them or the cabinet, stopped to think that Dundee was just a stooge for Edinburgh and, wait for it, SNP good news before the next elections? That's naive AND unbelievable!
04.18pm - 07.12.2011 PaulK - Dundee, United Kingdom Report This
If Dundee City Council had jumped on the renewables bandwagon sooner the City would be in a better position to attract jobs. Too much time wasted on praising life sciences and call centre jobs and not enough time investing in a diverse economy with jobs for the many rather than praise for the few!
04.02pm - 13.12.2011 d. wilson - dundee, scotland Report This
once a great inustrial city now ghost town..
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