CHEPSTOW based engineering firm Mabey Bridge has begun rolling out the first parts for five new wind turbines destined for a wind farm in Leicestershire.

The rolling cans, formed from steel plates, will form part of the foundation ring assemblies for RE Power's Lower Spinney wind farm.

The rolling cans are the first part of what the company describes as: "Its journey to becoming one of the UK's largest manufacturers of wind turbine towers" from its new £38m plant at Newhouse near Chepstow.

Alex Smale, UK director of Mabey Bridge, said: "This is a significant milestone for us at Newhouse ahead of becoming fully operational in February 2011.

"For the first time key components of wind turbine towers are being produced at our new full-automated £38m facility."

He continued: "Mabey Bridge can now approach 2011 with real excitement as it expands its expertise in bridges into the renewable energy market."

•Mabey Bridge has had a history in Chepstow dating back to 1849 beginning with the construction of Brunel's Wye railway bridge. In Lydney the company builds box girder bridges. The Newhouse plant which generated 240 jobs is using the latest computer controlled cutting, rolling, robotic welding, painting and steel blasting technologies.