Troubled wind turbine maker Proven is saved

A SCOTTISH wind turbine maker at the centre of a major safety scare was yesterday sold by its receivers, saving 20 jobs.

Ayrshire-based Proven Energy, which fell into receivership last month with the loss of 55 jobs, was sold to Dublin-listed Kingspan Renewables for an undisclosed sum.

Kingspan said it would continue to make six kilowatt (KW) and 3KW turbines at the Proven factory in Stewarton, but would decide at a later date on the possible launch of a 15KW version.

Engineers last month warned that a potentially catastrophic shaft defect could cause the turbines’ built-in braking systems to fail, causing the blades to fly off in a worst case scenario. About 500 people in Scotland, mainly farmers, are believed to operate the firm’s small wind turbines.

But Blair Nimmo and Tony Friar, joint receivers at accountancy firm KPMG, said anyone with any claims relating to warranties needed to contact them and not Kingspan.

Nimmo added: “Following a competitive sales process, we are delighted to confirm the sale of the business and assets to Kingspan. We would like to thank Proven’s remaining employees, customers and suppliers for their patience and support.”

Kingspan, which makes a range of energy-related products including insulation and solar panels, operates from 28 sites in the UK.