Sumitomo Project Set to Boost Jobs After Shetland Subsea Cable Agreement

Inverness: A big deal is happening with Sumitomo Electric Industries. They just signed an agreement that’s expected to create a ton of jobs in the Highlands. This is all part of the Shetland 2 project, which involves a new subsea cable connecting Shetland to the mainland.

The plan is to build a manufacturing facility in Nigg, where they’ll produce high-voltage cables. This is a first for the UK, and it’s pretty exciting! The factory is set to create around 150 full-time jobs, and it’s likely that many more indirect jobs will pop up as a result.

Yasuyuki Shibata from Sumitomo is thrilled about this milestone. He believes it’s a huge step for their investment in Scotland. Rob McDonald from SSEN Transmission is also happy, noting how this project will really help the Highland economy.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks mentioned that this project aligns with the UK’s goal of becoming a clean energy leader, which is great for job creation. The Scottish Government is backing this initiative with significant funding to ensure local communities benefit from the renewable energy boom. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!