Something big (69,000 sqm in fact), has been taking shape on the banks of the River Blyth in Northumberland.
And it will soon be making a major contribution to the UK’s offshore wind sector… and the country’s manufacturing capacity.
Yes, JDR Cable Systems’ new Cambois facility, near Blyth will be operational by the end of 2025, boasting the capability of full start-to-finish manufacturing of high voltage subsea cables for offshore wind farms. Key to this is its Catenary Continuous Vulcanisation (CCV) line, which extrudes high-performance polymeric insulation onto large copper or aluminium conductor strand cores, allowing JDR Cables to manufacture fully tested cables from raw materials to final products.
Carl Pilmer, Chief Sales Officer for JDR Cable Systems – which is part of the global TFKable Group – provided insight into the site’s progress at a recent NOF Networking Lunch. We caught up with Carl at the event to find out more about this multimillion investment on Horizon Works’ doorstep…
What are the implications of the Cambois site for the UK offshore wind sector? What is JDR bringing to the table?
Typically, a lot of high voltage subsea cables are currently imported. So, you can imagine the global footprint that those cables put down, even before they’ve gone into the water. The capabilities we have at JDR Cables mean that we don’t have to import them – we can actually manufacture them here in the UK.
It means we are ideally placed to support Britain’s growth in offshore wind.
How does the investment fit into JDR’s overall strategic vision?
The Cambois site represents the next stage of JDR’s Cables expansion into higher voltage and longer length cable products. It will also enable JDR Cables to deliver a greater range of products and manufacture extra high voltage cables, at 275 KV and beyond, for both land and subsea applications in the future.
We strongly believe that JDR Cables has a key role to play in the transition to Net Zero, and in supporting the significant growth in the energy demand anticipated in the coming decade. Whether energy needs to be transported for carbon capture and storage, or oil and gas production needs to decarbonise, we’ll be able to support this.
If we need significant volumes of offshore wind, solar or nuclear power in the energy mix, JDR Cables will provide that vital connection to ensure that society has the lower carbon emission energy that is needed to sustain our future.
Currently, the Hartlepool facility manufactures products for both renewables and oil & gas and will continue producing renewable energy cables in the product mix, especially for Dynamic Cables. To support this, the VLM has recently been upgraded to basket mode and the carousel loading arms partially upgraded. Meanwhile, the Cambois site will focus on supporting the offshore wind sector, which will allow Hartlepool, where we’ve recently invested another £10 million, to focus entirely on larger, stiffer cable and umbilical products. These products can be used across a wide range of applications, including oil & gas, carbon capture, and renewable energy.
One of the key features of the new site is the CCV line – what is the significance of this?
The Continuous Catenary Vulcanisation, or CCV, line is the only one of its kind installed and located today in the UK at a quayside location, and this is key to having the ability to product long length array as well as export cables. Historically, the UK did have similar lines located close to quays, but these facilities were closed 20 years ago.
JDR’s Cables CCV line will be a critical UK asset to ensure the security of our energy supply in the decades to come. It’s one of the most advanced lines in the world and can go from 11 KV to 275 KV, enabling us to produce very long lengths of cable. For instance, on a 66 KV cable, we can manufacture 30 kilometers in one continuous length. Historically, cables of that length would have needed specialist joints, splices or terminations to extend them. Therefore, the CCV line offers a much more efficient method of manufacturing: this is far more sustainable than having to weld cables together.
How important is it for JDR to work with the local supply chain?
We fully understand the importance of working in close contact with the supply chain. It’s key for us. We’ve done that throughout other areas where we have bases. For example in 2009, we opened our Hartlepool facility and immediately strengthened our local supply chain relationships there.
And as we open our facility in Cambois we will also need a strong collaboration with the local supply chain – both with businesses within our sector and more broadly – and especially with those businesses based along the River Blyth. These businesses are the key enablers for our future success, whether they work directly in our facilities or support our supply chains elsewhere.
There’s a long history of industrial expertise in this region and we’re tapping into that.
What impact will the Cambois facility have on the local community?
On the operations side, we’re looking at recruiting another 171 people who will be based at Cambois, near Blyth. And of course, we also expect our new facility to create both direct and indirect roles through the supply chain as well. These roles could be located at the Port of Blyth, assisting in importing and exporting materials and finished cables, and supporting our operations.
Furthermore, we have an ambition to grow our product lines beyond those that we currently provide – for example by manufacturing export cables or high voltage land cables. This could open up new employment opportunities at the site.
JDR is a partner of Energi Coast, North East England’s offshore wind cluster, and has a very strong relationship with NOF, the business development organisation for the global energy sector – which operates Energi Coast. How has NOF supported you?
NOF has always championed JDR Cables when they’ve talked about UK businesses, wherever they are in the world. We collaborate in many areas, including exhibitions and events such as the Networking Lunches. We also work closely on local responses to national or regional policies, and on our investment priorities and strategy. NOF is a great partner for JDR Cables and is very much part of our development going forward!
Find out more about JDR Cable Systems – and the Cambois site’s, near Blyth progress – here.