A YEAR after Vestas sacked hundreds of Island workers, sparking protests that attracted worldwide attention, one former worker has formed a new turbine business.
Ex-Vestas team leader, Sean McDonagh, said Sureblades could employ up to 40 people in the next two years, producing small turbine blades for domestic and agricultural use.
The company was founded after Dorset businessman, Keith Hounsell, heard an interview with Mr McDonagh on Radio Solent during the protests last July and the pair subsequently met to discuss setting up a business.
The company is weeks away from producing test blades for Irish firm, C&F Green Energy and, if testing is successful, they would begin production on the Island at premises on Riverway Industrial Estate, Newport.
"We will be employing four people initially but depending on growth and plans to start making some bigger blades, we could have up to 40 people working in the next two years," said Mr McDonagh.
•Full story in the Friday, July 16, County Press.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk