Date Created: 07 June 2012
German wind turbine manufacturer, Enercon, have opened new premises in Edinburgh.
The offices which have been set up with the help of Scottish Development International, are the first the firm has established in Scotland. They have created 13 jobs in the capital and will be a hub for UK sales, engineering and consultancy work.
Headquartered in Lower Saxony, Enercon is the largest onshore wind turbine manufacturer in Germany and has installed more than 19,000 turbines in 30 countries. Enercon's turbines are present in a number of Scottish sites including the Lochelbank wind farm on the Ochil Hills and the Ben Aketil wind farm on the Isle of Skye.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing was joined by Minister President of Lower Saxony, David McAllister, for the official opening after which they toured the new offices and met with employees.
Fergus Ewing said: "The Scottish Government and our enterprise agencies are working tirelessly to secure new investment and jobs to Scotland. I am delighted that Germany’s largest onshore wind turbine manufacturer is investing in Scotland through establishing new operations in Edinburgh and creating new jobs in the city.
"Enercon's decision to be based in Scotland reflects the country's reputation as a genuine world leader in green energy and our targets reflect the scale of our natural resources, the strength of our energy capabilities and the value we place on creating new, sustainable industries."
Minister President of Lower Saxony, David McAllister added: "Enercon is already a successful company from Aurich in Lower Saxony and is the leading manufacturer of wind turbines in Germany. It has now decided to base its United Kingdom sales office in Scotland.
“The company’s business activities in Scotland also prove that it is worthwhile strengthening the ties between Scotland and Lower Saxony to our mutual benefit.
Anne MacColl, chief executive, Scottish Development International, said: "Scottish Development International (SDI) has worked closely with Enercon to provide strategic advice and guidance to help it establish these new offices in Edinburgh.
"Enercon's decision to come to Scotland reinforces our growing reputation both in green energy and as the ideal partner of choice for major international projects.
"SDI looks forward to continuing to work with Enercon to help further realise its ambitious growth plans in Scotland, driving high value further into the Scottish economy."
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