VolkerFitzpatrick has won an £82 million contract to deliver two wind turbine blade manufacturing facilities.

The design and build contract, awarded by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, also includes work to repurpose an existing factory, at its site in Hull.

The works began in August and are due to complete in May 2023.

The award follows VolkerFitzpatrick's successful delivery of the existing blade factory at the same site, in 2016. Once complete, the new facilities will enable Siemens Gamesa to produce lager blades, with greater efficiency.

Phase one of the project will include pre-cast piling, drainage and foundations, and steel frame structures. The steelwork has been specially 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.

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The buildings will cover a total 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.

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 re-use stone from the existing site, helping to minimise waste material.