DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg says the Government is working "flat out" to convince Siemens to give the go-ahead to its proposed Hull factory.
Speaking to the Mail yesterday during a visit to North East Lincolnshire, Mr Clegg said: "We are working flat out to seek to persuade Siemens to say yes.
"I have seen them locally and I have been out to speak to them in Germany.
"It would have a transformative effect on the local economy."
The German engineering giant announced Hull as its preferred site for a new £80m offshore wind turbine factory two years ago but it has yet to make a final commitment to the development earmarked for the city's Alexandra Dock.
Mr Clegg was visiting Grimsby to officially launch the £1bn Lincs offshore wind farm.
The last of the wind farm's 75 turbines were connected to the National Grid last week.
The joint venture between Centrica Energy, Dong Energy and Siemens Project Ventures is now capable of producing enough renewable energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
Mr Clegg also highlighted the Government's new offshore wind strategy during his visit.
Emphasising the Humber region's role, he said: "The race is now on to lead the world in clean, green energy and Yorkshire and the Humber has a clear natural advantage.
"I am absolutely committed that we strengthen our position which is why our offshore wind industrial strategy aims to grow UK supply chain manufacturing so more of the work and jobs can be done here."
The strategy includes proposals for large-scale offshore wind farm developers to produce a supply chain plan before a contract is issued to support innovation and skills.
That move was welcomed by Lord Haskins, chairman of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership.
He said: "The Government is right to recognise offshore wind as a major growth opportunity and I hope that this industrial strategy will help the UK capture more of the economic benefit from it.
"The Humber is already playing a leading role, but also has the most to gain
"Anything that creates further confidence in the sector in the UK and the Humber is very welcome and the strategy which formalises the Government's commitment to the sector tor will help.
"The fact that the Deputy Prime Minister chose to launch this strategy from the Humber again underlines our potential for offshore wind and the confidence in our ability to deliver."
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