A leading manufacturer of subsea cables connecting the global offshore energy industry has reaffirmed its commitment to continued growth in Hartlepool by signing long-term contract extensions with PD Ports.

JDR Cables has been a tenant at Port of Hartlepool since 2008, creating a world-class manufacturing facility that was later extended to comprise approximately 300,000 square feet.

The company has now signed 15-year contract extensions with PD Ports, securing 280 jobs and continuing its position at the heart of Hartlepool’s growing offshore and renewables cluster.

Hartlepool stands as JDR’s flagship facility, a world-class quayside manufacturing site strategically located within a North Sea port.

With a highly flexible production setup, the facility excels in manufacturing ultra-long length cables and umbilicals. In a recent development, JDR invested £3million to introduce a vertical lay up machine (VLM), nearly doubling the product weight capacity at the Hartlepool facility.

This upgrade significantly enhances production continuous length capabilities by approximately 25%, positioning the facility to manufacture static array cables for fixed foundation wind and dynamic cables for the rapidly growing floating foundations wind applications.

With these investments and long-term agreements, the company is able to grow beyond its current 66kV product range, with plans to incorporate 132kV and 150kV cabling.

Mark Braybrooke, chief operating officer at JDR Cables, said: “As a UK-based company, we take pride in our pivotal role in enhancing the local economy of the North-East and the broader UK.

“Our commitment extends to supporting local workforces and fortifying our supply chains. Operating from our Hartlepool facility, we are dedicated to contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector, fortifying the UK’s position in offshore wind manufacturing and leading the export of new subsea power and control connection technologies to the global offshore energy sector.”

Michael McConnell, group property director at PD Ports, said: “The extension of JDR’s leases at the Port of Hartlepool is a real vote of confidence and shows a long-term commitment to the town and the wider region, which we’re delighted to support.

“The infrastructure at the port is ideal for companies within the energy sector, with direct access to operations in the North Sea.”

With JDR Cables contracts extensions, Hartlepool has reinforced its position as a key industrial hub for the offshore renewables sector, with other key companies including Teesside Windfarm Ltd.

The industrial zone was also further boosted in October 2021 when, following 18 months of negotiation, PD Ports secured the tenancy of construction services provider Strabag at Port of Hartlepool, resulting in approximately 100 direct jobs.

News of JDR’s commitment to Hartlepool has won the backing of the town’s MP, Jill Mortimer, and John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Jill Mortimer MP said: “I am delighted at this news from PD Ports and JDR Cables. JDR are a business I have enjoyed visiting many times, they are a great team and a robust employer for Hartlepool.

“Their continued investment here demonstrates the positive change, optimism and belief in our community which I have encouraged, fought for and witnessed since my election in 2021.”

John McCabe added: “The extension of JDR Cables’ lease at Port of Hartlepool provides a huge boost to the region’s renewable energy sector, as well as our local economy.

“The move secures 280 jobs and reaffirms the company’s commitment to establishing Hartlepool as a global manufacturing site.

“With our highly skilled, regional workforce and thriving supply chains, the port is ideally placed to position the company, as well as the North East, front and centre of the offshore energy industry.”