JDR Cable Systems begins work on £130 million Cambois plant

Building work has started on a £130 million Northumberland subsea power line factory.

JDR Cable Systems has turned the first sod on a 69,000sq metre plant at Cambois, near Blyth.

Bosses say the base – earmarked to open in 2024 – will expand the business’ product range in the rapidly-growing global renewable energy market.

The firm was previously backed by a Government Export Development Guarantee, from the Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme, to deliver the plant.

Tomasz Nowak, JDR chief executive, said: “This is a significant moment for the North East, as projects like ours will provide more local jobs and opportunities for the people of Cambois, Bedlington and the surrounding area.

“This region, and the east coast of the UK, has plans to connect an incredible amount of energy infrastructure in the coming years, and we’re proud to be contributing to it in the midst of a growing offshore energy sector.

“This is the first phase of our development in Cambois, but we’ll continue to move with confidence and pace.

“These are very exciting times for JDR, and we look forward to working with the local community and our partners to deliver subsea cable technology that secures our energy supply and powers the future economic success of this site, the region and beyond.”

Alongside its Cambois expansion, JDR has committed to spending £3 million on machinery at its longstanding Hartlepool base, which it says will boost production by nearly 25 per cent.