USA - Siemens Power Generation Inc. plans to expand wind turbine plant

Siemens Power Generation Inc. plans to create 287 additional jobs with an expansion of its Fort Madison turbine-blade production plant, the company announced this morning. The expansion will more than double employment at the high-tech plant, which currently has 246 workers.

Siemens plans to build a 75,000-square-foot addition to the existing 311,000-square-foot plant and construct a new 125,000-square-foot building and a rail yard to expand production of wind turbine blades. The total cost of the project is expected to exceed $33 million. Construction is expected to be completed by October.

"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," said Randy Zwirn, head of Siemens Energy Americas, said in a press release. "The dedication and skills of our work force in the existing manufacturing plant have played an important role in our decision to expand the facility," he added.

The announcement solidifies Iowa's reputation as a U.S. renewable energy leader, Gov. Chet Culver said in a release.

"Our leadership in wind continues to energize Iowa's economy by creating high-quality, green-collar careers," Culver said. "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 positions are expected to pay an average of $17.14 per hour. State officials said the company has applied for economic development incentive funds.