Samsung chooses Scotland

Korean giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is to base its first European offshore wind project in Fife, in an inward venture worth up to £100 million.

The move is expected to create more than 500 new jobs in Scotland, many of which will be at the planned base in Methil.

First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed the news today at the Scottish Offshore Wind and Supply Chain Conference in Aberdeen.

First Minister Alex Salmond, said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome this inward investment by Samsung Heavy Industries which further reinforces Scotland's place in the development of the next generation of offshore wind turbines.

“Their choice of Scotland as their first base in Europe for renewable technology development is testament to the fact this country is fast becoming the European centre for research and development in new offshore wind technologies. For Methil to be chosen as the test site for Samsung Heavy Industries’ new 7MW wind turbine is another example of this country’s ability to secure investment from global multinationals.”

Samsung signs a further Scottish deal

SHI has also signed a multimillion pound deal with East Kilbride’s David Brown Gear Systems to supply and design gearbox systems for Samsung’s next generation offshore wind turbine.

SHI will now work closely with Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council to develop the company’s ambitious project. If the project is successful it would result in nacelle, gear box assembly and blade manufacturing facilities in Scotland.

The move could create a significant number of high-value jobs in Fife.

"The testing of the new 7MW offshore wind turbine at the Fife Energy Park signifies a milestone in the development of Samsung's new wind turbine generator system,” said Mr Insik Roh, CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries.

“We hope to contribute to the Scottish economy through successful testing and certification of our cutting edge offshore wind turbine and ultimately through establishment of our manufacturing facility here in Methil."

Scotland: a hub of expertise

Samsung’s announcement follows investments by other companies including Taqa, Avaloq, FMC Technologies, Aker, Ineos, PetroChina, Dell, Gamesa, BNY Mellon, State Street, Amazon, Hewlett-Packard and Mitsubishi Powers Systems.

Lena Wilson, Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive, said:

"We are delighted that Samsung Heavy Industries has indentified Scotland as the location for developing its offshore wind technology. Not only does this project further emphasise Scotland's leading position as a hub of expertise for test and demonstration of next generation offshore wind technology but it underlines the fact that we boast an excellent business environment for offshore wind with leading facilities such as the Energy Park in Fife.”