Approval of plans for a major new employer to the county have been welcomed by the council as more evidence of Northumberland’s role in the UK’s green industrial renaissance. 
 

JDR Cable Systems, a global leader in undersea cables for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy projects, will build a state-of-the-art facility on the site of the former coal-fired power station at Cambois. 
 

It’s set to be built from this year on Advance Northumberland’s Northumberland Energy Park Phase One (a North East Enterprise Zone), and bring over 200 high-quality local jobs on completion in 2024 as well as safeguarding 270 jobs at JDR’s existing facilities. 

 In addition, there will be a significant number of indirect jobs created through the supply chain for the development. 
 

And as part of ongoing discussions with the company they have committed to developing employment and training and skills plans to prepare the local workforce for future roles.
 

Deputy Council Leader Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming one of the most advanced subsea cable manufacturing facilities in the world into the county.  
 

“This brand-new facility will focus on renewable energy products and services – which is crucial towards the county’s carbon neutral plans. 
 

“It’s also the latest step in Northumberland’s new green industrial renaissance – where once we had heavy industry we’re now seeing a new wave of renewable manufacturing plants coming to the area – bringing jobs and prosperity. 
 

“Getting to this stage is testament to the hard work of many of our staff and partner organisations who must take much of the credit of securing planning approval.” 
 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Chair of Advance Northumberland, added: “This is great news. We’ve been working tirelessly to support this facility, which will be another major employer in south-east Northumberland – and continue the county’s emergence as a key hub for renewable energy engineering and industry.”