Vestas’ facilities on the Isle of Wight currently focus on manufacturing blades for the V174 offshore turbine. As demand for this product declines and site constraints make it unsuitable for the next generation of offshore blades, Vestas has reached an agreement in principle with the UK Government to repurpose the factory for producing onshore blades, primarily for the UK market.
The current operations at the Isle of Wight employ approximately 600 people across manufacturing, logistics, and support functions. The new agreement with the UK Government will sustain around 300 jobs in manufacturing activities. Additionally, Vestas will offer numerous opportunities in other parts of the business, including roles supporting UK operations and other Vestas factories.
The company’s technology activities, which employ about 140 people on the island, will not be affected by this decision and will continue as a centre of excellence for blade research, design, and development. Vestas will now enter a consultation process with employee representatives and aims to provide clarity for most employees by January 2025.
