Following media reports from April saying ASM Industries (ASMI) had been planning to boost its involvement in the offshore wind sector and had pinpointed the port of Aveiro as a location for its new plant, the Portuguese company confirmed to Offshore WIND that it had decided to invest in the new facility, specialised in bigger products – mostly for offshore application.
The decision came following the outlined growing strategy of ASMI and the respective need to reinforce the current manufacturing capabilities, the company stated.
Furthermore, since the company is currently mainly doing business in producing onshore wind turbine towers and it anticipates larger volume of work in the offshore wind sector, ASMI has decided to set up an autonomous business unit dedicated to building offshore wind towers and foundations.
“The new company, named ASM Offshore intends to be positioned as a world reference company in the manufacture of offshore wind towers and foundations through its commitment to innovation, efficiency and quality of its products, combined with a strong production capacity that allows a proper response to our clients demands and challenges,” the company said in a statement.
The new industrial unit will involve an investment of around EUR 25 million, supported by the European Community Funds Grants (P2020), in innovative equipment and infrastructures, including its own quay side in the ZALI area of Aveiro Port, and will create more than 100 direct and specialised new jobs.
The total site covers 72,000m², with the fabrication area occupying some 22,000m² and 46,000m² earmarked to accommodate the storage area.
Most of the products to be produced will be exported, especially to European market but also to other regions worldwide.
“We strongly believe this new investment will reinforce the position of ASM Industries as a reference player, actively contributing for the development of a sustainable renewable and marine industry,” the company stated.
ASM was one of the participants in the first floating wind project in Portugal, having built the floating wind structure for EDP’s WindFloat project in 2011, and is also one of EDP’s partners for the Demogravi3 offshore wind project in Portugal.
ASM Industries is the renewable energy-dedicated sub-holding of A. Silva Matos (ASM) Group.