WIND BRINGS THE JOBS IN IOWA

Originally posted May 2.
These days, it’s never far from the mind of anybody in the New Energy industries. What? Let Randy Zwirn, head of Siemens Energy Americas, whose company just announced it is adding almost 300 jobs to the Iowa economic landscape, explain: “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…”

A plant expansion and that many new jobs is not just that many new jobs and a plant expansion. It’s big revenue coming into a relatively small community even as the ripples of a difficult economic downturn hit the heartland.

In a 600-mile radius of Iowa, $3.2 billion in new wind energy projects are expected yearly for the next 7 years, resulting in $22.4 billion of new economic development.

This plant expansion will increase Siemens’ turbine blade manufacturing capacity. Suzlon, the Indian company just ahead of Siemens on the list of world wind power suppliers, is having trouble because of its poor quality blades. This is an opportunity for Siemens to grab market share.

Surely Congress wouldn’t interfere with such a momentous U.S. opportunity by failing to extend the wind energy industry’s vital tax credits, would it?

Sign the petition! Tell Congress to Support Renewable Energy Tax Credits

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Siemens Announces Nearly 300 New Wind Energy Jobs in Iowa
April 29, 2008 (Expansion Management Magazine)

WHO
Siemens Power Generation Inc.; Siemens Energy Americas (Randy Zwirn, head); City of Fort Madison; Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) (Mike Tramontina, director)

A blade at the new Fort Madison plant. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
Siemens is planning to expand a wind turbine blade plant in the heartlands, adding jobs and economic opportunity.

WHEN
- The deal is final.
- Expansion expected to be complete by the end of 2008.
- The plant was built in 2007.

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WHERE
The expansion and new jobs would go to the Siemens plant in Fort Madison, Iowa.

WHY
- Not just 287 new jobs but 287 potential green collar careers. Expected average pay rate: $17.14/hour.
- A new 125,000 square foot facility will built.
- A new rail yard will be built.
- A 311,000 square foot plant will be expanded by 75,000 square feet.
- Total project cost: $33 million.

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QUOTES
- Randy Zwirn, head, Siemens Energy Americas: “We are very pleased to announce plans to expand wind turbine blade production in Fort Madison…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.”
- Mike Tramontina, director, IDED: “Our tradition in advanced manufacturing, coupled with our position in the Windbelt, makes Iowa the ideal location for both wind energy turbines and the facilities that produce them…”