JDR, a supplier of subsea power cables and umbilicals to the global offshore energy industry, has officially opened its European service centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
The opening ceremony held on Friday, 7 July, also coincided with a contract signing with Tideway who selected JDR to provide termination and testing support for the inter-array cables scope of work for one of their offshore wind farms currently under construction.
The opening was marked by an official ceremony led by Nick Brown, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East, followed by a tour of the 4,000m2 facility.
The multi-purpose centre includes a workshop, a warehouse, a visitor centre and offices. The facility – which will house up to 50 staff – will also serve as the central base for JDR’s European service operations and the company’s sales and marketing functions.
The location was selected for its proximity to projects in the North Sea and Europe, JDR’s manufacturing facility in Hartlepool and the local supply chain, JDR said.
Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, said: “It’s great to see this further expansion of JDR. This facility will have an initial workforce of 20, including 10 new jobs, and plans to expand to 50 in the future. As the inaugural winner of the Northern Powerhouse Exports Award last year, the company highlights the best of the Northern Powerhouse. They make effective use of key northern assets in energy, innovation, access to international markets and a skilled workforce.”
JDR has been awarded a number of projects for major clients this year including the East Anglia One offshore wind project.
The company has also been nominated as preferred cable supplier for US Wind’s Maryland project as well as by WindPlus for the Windfloat Atlantic project . The centre will be vital in supporting service elements associated with such projects and future contract wins, JDR said.