VolkerFitzpatrick Wins Contract for Blade Factories

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has announced that it has awarded VolkerFitzpatrick an £82 million design and build contract. The contract will deliver two wind turbine blade manufacturing facilities, along with repurposing an existing factory, at its site in Hull. The works began in August and have a completion date for May 2023.

This award follows on from VolkerFitzpatrick’s successful delivery of the existing blade factory at the same site in 2016. Once they reach completion, the new factories will enable Siemens Gamesa to produce larger blades with greater efficiency.

Phase one will see pre-cast piling, drainage and foundations with steel frame structures. The steelwork has also been specifically designed to allow 40m clear spans, with a working height of 18m and significant load-bearing capability, to accommodate the various gantry and console cranes required during the wind turbine blade manufacturing process.

Stuart Deverill, Managing Director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division, said: “VolkerFitzpatrick has a longstanding, collaborative relationship with Siemens Gamesa, having worked together on its original blade factory in 2016. I am delighted that we have now been appointed to deliver these two new facilities and look forward to seeing the works progress over the coming months.”

The buildings will span a footprint of 42,362m² and will be finished with aluminium-faced insulated panels to the roof and walls, in continuity with the existing blade factory. The mechanical and electrical fit-out will include services for lighting, power, water, humidity control, ventilation and cooling.

Rob Bullen, Head of Real Estate UK and IE for Siemens Gamesa, commented: “Siemens Gamesa is again delighted to be working with VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver an industry-leading infrastructure project. This project is more ambitious even than the initial factory-build in Hull back in 2016, and Siemens Gamesa needed a partner that could match our aspirations for delivering the project.

“It’s evident, even from the early stages of working together on the project, that we have found that partner in VolkerFitzpatrick.”

Phase two will involve modifications to the existing 34,217m² blade factory, to repurpose it from a production facility to a finishing area. This will include internal reconfigurations, as well as upgrading and replacing mechanical services. The team will also alter the building’s envelope, steelwork and doors, to allow for larger blades to be manoeuvred in and out.

Throughout the project, VolkerFitzpatrick will support the local community by hiring trainees and a portion of its supply chain from the surrounding area. The team will also reuse stone from the existing site, helping to minimise waste material.