The world’s largest wind-turbine maker opened it’s first U.S. manufacturing plant last week in Windsor, Colorado.
Denmark-based Vestas (VWS.DE) expects to produce 1,800 blades a year (enough for 600 turbines) at the facility located 60 miles north of Denver. Vistas said the 400,000-square-feet factory currently employs 200 people, but will eventually employ about 650 to build 6-ton blades, measuring between 133 and 144 feet long.
The blades will be used on two different turbine models, one that produces 1.65 megawatts (MW) of electricity and the other 3 MW. The first blade was finished on January 31, and Vestas said it expects to reach full production in May.
The U.S. was the largest market for Vestas last year, according to Vestas President and CEO Ditlev Engel, who said he has "great faith" in the potential of the wind industry in the U.S.
Jens Søby, President of Vestas Americas A/S, added, "The blade factory is a prime example of what wind power can do for the USA in terms of job creation and the generation of clean, renewable and local electricity. We are also sending a clear and strong message to politicians that wind power is a significant driver for sustainable economic development,"
Governor Bill Ritter attended the plant’s ceremonial opening on Wednesday and said the success of the Vestas operation will help attract other renewable energy companies to Colorado. Ritter led the creation of a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for Colorado which requires utilities to produce 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
"We now have in-state manufacturing capacity to supply wind farms not just in Colorado but across North America," Ritter said.
According to Windsor interim town manager, Kelly Arnold, Windsor and Weld County offered Vestas incentives worth a total of about $1.1 million in deferred development fees and tax breaks.
Last week the state of Montana announced that it has enticed competition to the region. German wind-turbine maker Fuhrlander AG has plans to build a $25 million plant in Butte, Montana.
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