As previously reported by the County Press, the renewable energy company will cease production of offshore wind turbine blades at its Medina factory.
The transition, which Vestas attributed to site ‘constraints’ and declining demand for offshore blades, will see the factory repurposed to produce onshore wind turbine blades under an agreement in principle with the UK government.
This shift will secure 300 of the current 600 manufacturing jobs, leaving the future uncertain for many employees.
Mr Quigley said: “The government has stepped in to help save the factory from complete closure, securing half of the jobs on the site, which will now be repurposed to manufacture onshore wind turbine blades.
“The previous government’s lack of an industrial strategy and the banning of onshore wind has meant planning the future for companies like Vestas has been extremely difficult.”
Mr Quigley praised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for his swift action in working with the Treasury to protect jobs and repurpose the factory for onshore wind production.
“The swift action from this Labour government underscores their commitment to fighting for British industries and workers,” he added.
“I will do all I can to work with the local community to ensure those impacted by this news are properly supported.”
Mr Robertson added: “I understand that Vestas has given assurances that employees not retained at the Medina site will be offered opportunities within other parts of the business, including roles supporting operations at other Vestas sites.
“However, it is no good offering jobs hundreds of miles away, meaning young working families decide to leave the Island for good.
“If there are jobs available in the Solent area, we know that the cost of commuting off the Island is high and ferry services are unreliable, so this is not a viable option for many.”
He called on Vestas to prioritise saving jobs currently held by Island residents during the workforce reorganisation.
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The transition to onshore blade production comes as part of Vestas’ strategy to meet increasing demand for onshore wind energy.
The Newport factory has been a hub of wind turbine manufacturing for over two decades, employing 600 workers at its Medina site and around 140 at its technology centre, which ‘will not be affected’ by the changes, said Vestas.
A consultation process has been launched, with clarity for ‘most employees’ expected by January 2025.
Both MPs have vowed to support workers and their families during this period of uncertainty and to advocate for solutions that minimise disruption to the Island community.