A major national innovation facility focused on large-scale engineering and manufacturing will be based on the Isle of Wight, with global wind turbine manufacturer Vestas confirmed as its launch partner.
The National Composites Centre (NCC) – part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Bristol – has announced that the new Large Structures Innovation Centre (LSIC) will be located on the Isle of Wight.
The LSIC will serve as an open-access national facility to support the development, demonstration and industrialisation of large, high-performance structures across multiple sectors. Its initial focus will be on wind energy.
The Isle of Wight has been chosen for its strong foundation in advanced engineering and manufacturing, as well as its existing industrial infrastructure. The site offers the operational environment and space needed to support full-scale production trials, automation development, and real-world materials validation.
Designed to help industry bring products to market faster and more efficiently, the LSIC will provide end-to-end innovation capabilities – from concept through to end-of-life – supporting companies of all sizes in the creation of next-generation structures.
Vestas, which has operated on the Isle of Wight for more than 20 years, has been confirmed as the centre’s launch partner. The company has already produced over 13,500 wind turbine blades on the island and has a longstanding relationship with NCC.
The new LSIC will complement Vestas’ existing manufacturing and R&D activities locally, offering an open-access platform for full-size blade development and process innovation. It is expected to play a critical role in advancing turbine technology and meeting the growing demand for scalable UK-based solutions in clean energy and other industrial sectors.
Richard Oldfield, CEO of the National Composites Centre, has said:
“This partnership marks an important step forward. With our Isle of Wight facility confirmed and Vestas as launch partner, the LSIC moves from concept to delivery – helping UK industry take on bigger engineering challenges, and giving businesses the space, capability and confidence to respond.”
Anne Vedel, Senior Vice President for Research & Development with Vestas, has said:
“Vestas is proud to strengthen our partnership with NCC to drive innovation in the design and manufacture of the cutting-edge composites that are the foundation for modern wind turbines.
“The new centre will complement our existing manufacturing and R&D activities on the Isle of Wight and help drive the innovation in advanced turbine technologies, which is identified as a key economic opportunity in the UK’s offshore wind Industrial Growth Plan.”
Local MP Richard Quigley has welcomed the announcement, stating:
“This is fantastic news. Just as the arrival of wind turbine manufacturing on the Island 25 years ago was a hugely positive moment, this announcement is of the same magnitude. It brings sovereign UK ownership of wind turbine blade development and other large carbon fibre structures, strengthening our national capability in this vital sector.
“It has been a pleasure to support the NCC in Parliament, and I’m very much looking forward to the opening of the innovation centre and all the opportunities it will bring to the Island.”
The LSIC aims to fill a longstanding gap in the UK’s innovation landscape by offering a purpose-built space for companies to carry out full-scale trials, develop new manufacturing techniques, and build supply chain readiness.
Squiggley states: “It brings sovereign UK ownership of wind turbine blade development and other large carbon fibre structures, strengthening our national capability in this vital sector.”
More dreams of relevance from the anti-business Party.
Facts are Squigs that China leads the world in wind turbine blade production, with more than half of the global wind turbine capacity and significant growth in manufacturing capabilities. This dominance is supported by extensive state support and a well-integrated supply chain, allowing Chinese manufacturers to outpace their competitors in other countries.
Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong make millions of blades up to 123 metres, the World’s longest wind turbine blade
Goldwind produce various lengths and are a leading manufacturer globally
Envision produce various lengths and are a major player in the market
MingYang again various lengths and well known for large offshore blades
Their 2026 Market Value is Estimated at USD 24.89 billion.
And now your beloved Leader has kissed so much ass in Beijing that will ensure piddling little organisations like Vestas will be royally screwed. Two-tier Keir strikes again!
If you and Milipede are dreaming of onshore on the island, dream on baby.
We bankrupted Cornwall Light and Power who tried it on at Cheverton!
Here he is again . Wrigley Quigerly pr photo opportunity yet again . Get on and sort something out for a change. Unemployment up inflation up council tax up water bills going up benefits going up growth down .Ferries since Wrigley got in prices up services level down . You know a Liebor politician is lying when their lips are moving. General election now Liebor out.
A large tin of baked beans provides enough wind.
Oh dear more net zero (made up name) climate bollocks costing us all 10s of billions to achieve fuck all.While a poor chap here on the island at 90 died tring to keep warm..bloody disgrace.