Wind turbine factory expansion planned

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has applied to expand its wind turbine factory in Hull.

Planning documents show the move would create an additional 40 full-time jobs at the plant at Alexandra Dock.

A multi-purpose manufacturing building is proposed along with a small staff welfare building.

Hull City Council will decide whether to grant permission for the development.

With the expected 40 new employees, the Siemens site would employ 1,624 people in total, according to the planning application.

A documents states "the main building is intended to extend the production and repair capabilities of the site”.

Air-source heat pumps will be used instead of gas-fired boilers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The application also states the expanded facilities for Siemens “would be of significant economic, social and environmental benefit” to Hull.

Workers at the plant build 108m (354ft) long wind turbine blades by hand.

In July, about 300 workers at the factory were balloted for strike action in a row over pay.

In August, the union Unite said the dispute had been called off after it had secured a deal worth 8.4%.

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