GE Vernova has confirmed personnel dismissals at its LM Wind Power factory in Gaspé, Canada, following an investigation into a July blade failure at the 806-megawatt Vineyard Wind project. The company stated the internal review identified lapses in quality controls at the Gaspé facility, prompting corrective measures.
A company spokesperson explained that the review uncovered quality assurance shortcomings that did not meet the company's standards. “As a result, several weeks ago we implemented corrective actions at our blade facility in Gaspé, which included impacts to processes and people. We are confident in our ability to implement these corrective actions and move forward,” the spokesperson said.
The investigation led to the dismissal or suspension of a small number of employees, including senior plant supervisors. GE Vernova did not disclose specific details about the dismissals or the factors contributing to the quality control issues.
CEO Scott Strazik noted that the review revealed manufacturing deviations in a “low single-digit proportion” of the company's blades, similar to the defect found in the Vineyard Wind blade.
The July blade failure marked a significant incident for Vineyard Wind, a major offshore wind farm in the United States. GE Vernova's swift response underscores its commitment to addressing quality control issues and maintaining the reliability of its offshore wind components.