Wind turbine manufacturer to create 106 jobs in east Kent
Published: 17:00, 28 August 2013
A wind turbine manufacturer moving to Kent is to create 106 jobs.
X-Wind Power, manufacturer of the world’s most advanced vertical axis wind turbines, is relocating its operations from the Isle of Wight to Discovery Park, Sandwich.
Dong Energy described X-Wind as a "potentially game changing technology".
The move was assisted by Kent County Council, Locate in Kent and South Thanet MP Laura Sandys.
She said: “I’m delighted that X-Wind will shortly be based in East Kent, their innovative approach to wind energy generation is truly enlightened, demonstrating how existing roads, railways and sea defences can be used to generate significant amounts of energy.”
X-Wind Power aims to 16 people in 2013 and a further 90 within the next five years.
The company is seeking engineers and technicians to become key members of the design team to develop and bring to market the next generation of wind turbines.
Apprenticeships are also on offer for candidates with the right attitude and motivation.
“Kent offers X-Wind highly talented people living close to our future base at Discovery Park,” said Michael Blaize, X-Wind Power chief executive officer.
“The communication infrastructure and the quality of people locally were some of the deciding factors in choosing Kent for our business.”
X-Wind prides itself on the quiet operation of its turbines which make suitable for sensitive locations.
It is also playing a leading role in renewable energy technology. The company sees strong growth potential for the medium scale wind market, and intends to combine innovative design with robust manufacturing processes.
After two years of development, it is currently testing its technology at a smaller 6kW scale before moving to a larger 80kW prototype in 2014.
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Trevor Sturgess