NCC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and the University of Bristol, has confirmed that the Large Structures Innovation Centre (LSIC) will be located on the Isle of Wight.

NCC, which has evolved from its origins as the National Centre of Excellence in composite technology, has also announced Vestas as the LSIC’s launch partner, extending a long-standing relationship.

Vestas has been a Tier 1 member of NCC since its inception, and in 2024 NCC, alongside the Bristol Composites Institute, was named one of Vestas’ global technology partners for sustainable blade innovation.

The LSIC will be an open-access national facility to support the development, demonstration and industrialisation of large, high-performance structures across multiple sectors, with an initial focus on wind energy.

Key features of the LSIC are:

• National open-access innovation facility for large high-performance structures.
• Operator - NCC (part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Bristol).
• Access - Available to OEMs, Tier 1s, and supply chain companies.
• Timescales – Collaborative projects begin in 2026. Formal launch of LSIC in 2027.

What the Centre will enable:

• Full-size production trials for wind blades and other large high-performance parts.
• Validation of automation, materials and repeatable processes.
• Testing of new resins, fibre systems and sustainable composite materials.
• Development of scalable repair and refurbishment techniques.
• Design for manufacturability of large and ultra-large components with embedded circularity.
• Supplier readiness assessments and practical workforce training.

In terms of location, the Isle of Wight offers a strong foundation in advanced engineering and manufacturing, supported by established industrial infrastructure to enable large structures development.

It provides the space and operational environment needed for full-scale production trials, automation development, and materials validation under real-world conditions, outside of a live manufacturing environment.

The LSIC will equip industry with end-to-end innovation capabilities, supporting progress from concept through to end-of-life. This will help businesses of all sizes bring new large structure products to market faster, with improved efficiency and performance, enabling them to achieve their growth ambitions.

The LSIC will complement Vestas’ existing manufacturing activities on the Isle of Wight, providing an open-access platform for full-size blade development and process innovation. It strengthens the UK’s ability to support future blade designs and production requirements at industrial scale.

Across energy, construction and maritime, there is growing demand for larger, more capable structures - and for UK-based solutions that are ready to scale.

The LSIC will help close a longstanding gap in the UK’s innovation landscape. It provides a purpose-built space where companies can carry out full-scale trials, develop new manufacturing methods, and build practical readiness across the supply chain.

It also strengthens national capability. THE NCC says that by investing in large-structure innovation now, the LSIC will also help expand the UK’s technology base, build stronger domestic supply chains, and support national targets for clean energy and industrial growth.

Richard Oldfield, CEO, NCC said:

“This partnership marks an important step forward. With our Isle of Wight facility confirmed and Vestas as launch partner, the LSIC moves from concept to delivery - helping UK industry take on bigger engineering challenges, and giving businesses the space, capability and confidence to respond.”