By Renewable Energy Focus staff

The JV, Wind Towers Ltd, has already been granted ‘preferred bidder status’ for acquiring the plant.

SSE and Marsh say that the construction of new facilities, which are already almost complete, allows the production of turbine towers for offshore wind farms, making the plant ready for the next phase of UK offshore wind developments.

Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, says: “Clearly more detailed discussions are required before the sale can be completed. However, I want to pay credit to SSE, Marsh and the Administrators, who have worked closely with the Scottish Government and our partners to reach this positive breakthrough.”

Ian Marchant, CEO of SSE, adds: “With the right business plan and management, it should be a sustainable business in every sense. As the market for offshore wind turbines develops from 2013 onwards it should be possible to expand the operation to fully utilise the excellent facilities which are now available at the site.

“While some restructuring may be necessary at the plant to position it for growth we would envisage the substantial majority of the workforce being retained, while the JV partners would also be looking at potential redeployment opportunities.”

Skykon Campbeltown Ltd went into administration after its Danish parent company, Skykon, filed for bankruptcy in December 2010.