The new Edinburgh offices of German wind turbine manufacturer, Enercon, were officially opened by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing today.
The offices, the first the firm has established in Scotland, 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.
Mr Ewing was joined by Minister President of Lower Saxony, David McAllister, for the official opening – they toured the new offices and met with employees.
Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism 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 said:
“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.
“My three-day visit to Scotland is devoted to this purpose.”
Enercon Regional Desk Manager Northern Europe Robin Borgert said:
“We are delighted that Mr Ewing and President McAllister have been able to mark the opening of our new Scottish headquarters.
“Our turbines are already present in a number of Scottish sites and this new development means that we can build on the relationships we have already established here .”
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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