Governor Culver and Siemens Announce Almost 300 New Wind Energy Jobs in Fort Madison
$33 Million Project Expected to Boost Production of Wind Turbine Blades
Governor Chet Culver and officials from Fort Madison and Siemens Power Generation, Inc. announced plans for the company to expand production of state-of-the-art wind turbine blades, creating 287 high-quality, green-collar careers, pending state assistance.
"We are very pleased to announce plans to expand wind turbine blade production in Fort Madison," said Randy Zwirn, head of Siemens Energy Americas. "In less than a year since opening, we are already expanding our facility to increase our ability to competitively serve the growing North American market. The extension of the renewable energy production tax credit, which is due to expire at the end of 2008, is now essential to encourage continued investment in the wind energy industry and help us fill the new facility.”
Governor Culver said the announcement solidified Iowa's reputation as a U.S. renewable energy leader.
"This is a great day for Siemens, for Iowa and for supporters of renewable energy," said Governor Culver. "I am thrilled to join our friends at Siemens and Fort Madison and announce plans to bring several hundred exciting, new wind energy jobs to Iowa. Iowa is positioned to become the renewable energy capital of the U.S. Our leadership in wind continues to energize Iowa's economy by creating high-quality, green-collar careers. This announcement in Fort Madison is proof that Iowa’s leadership in wind energy continues to grow, Iowa's economy is strong and our brightest days are ahead."
The 287 green-collar careers are expected to be paid an average of $17.14 per hour. Siemens expects to produce a 75,000 s.f. expansion to their current 311,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, build a new 125,000 s.f. facility and construct a rail yard to expand production of wind turbine blades and meet the growing demand for wind energy in the U.S. The total cost of the project is expected to exceed $33 million. Siemens officials expect to complete construction on the new facilities by October 2008.
“We are especially pleased to grow our operations in Fort Madison,” said Zwirn of Siemens. “The dedication and skills of our workforce in the existing manufacturing plant have played an important role in our decision to expand the facility."
Siemens has manufacturing facilities around the world; however, the Fort Madison factory, which opened in 2007, is its only manufacturing facility of blades in the U.S. The current facility employs 246.
Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland and officials from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) have been working closely with company officials to finalize the deal.
"As Mayor of