JDR Cables commits to Port of Hartlepool with 15-year extension

A subsea cables maker has committed to a North East base for another 15 years, with bosses keen to strengthen the economy and support the local workforce.

JDR Cables has extended the contract for its 300,000sq ft Port of Hartlepool flagship site with landlord PD Ports, which employs 280 people.

The business recently invested £3 million to introduce a vertical lay up machine (VLM) at the plant, which nearly doubles product weight capacity.

Officials say the move, allied to other long-term agreements, mean the company will grow beyond its current 66kV product range, with plans to incorporate 132kV and 150kV cabling.

Mark Braybrooke, chief operating officer, said: “Our commitment extends to supporting local workforces and fortifying our supply chains.

“Operating from our Hartlepool facility, we are dedicated to contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector, fortifying the UK’s position in offshore wind manufacturing and leading the export of new subsea power and control connection technologies to the global offshore energy sector.”

The news has won the backing of the town’s MP Jill Mortimer, and John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Jill said: “JDR are a business I have enjoyed visiting many times, they are a great team and a robust employer for Hartlepool.”

John added: “The extension of JDR Cables’ lease at Port of Hartlepool provides a huge boost to the region’s renewable energy sector, as well as our local economy.

“With our highly skilled, regional workforce and thriving supply chains, the port is ideally placed to position the company, as well as the North East, front and centre of the offshore energy industry.”

Alongside its Hartlepool base, JDR Cables is set to finish work on a 64,000sq ft factory at Cambois, near Blyth, this year, which it says will expand its product range in the rapidly-growing global renewable energy market.