Monday 29 November 2010

Glasgow chosen for wind turbine ‘global hub’

Small wind turbine manufacturer Gaia-Wind is to build a £5m production and worldwide distribution hub in Glasgow.

The facility, which will create more than 50 jobs, will be for final assembly and testing turbines.

It will also act as a one-stop-shop for research, development, sales and marketing.

The company picked Glasgow after carrying out a Europe-wide search for a suitable location.

Managing Director Johnnie Andringa said: "This will be more than a simple assembly line facility. It will be the global hub for a rapidly growing business with complete integration of all aspects of the process.

"The new facility will handle the assembly, test and distribution of over 250 small wind turbines in 2011, expected to rise to 2000 units per year over the next few years.

Gaia-Wind is based in Scotland and Denmark and builds turbines specially adapted for the moderate wind speeds found around Scotland. Its customers include farms and schools.

Scotland's Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "This is good for Glasgow's low carbon ambitions, bringing long-term, high-quality green jobs to the city."

Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson said the "confirms Scotland's reputation as a globally competitive location for companies in this sector".