Vestas Build its First US Factory in Colorado

Vestas Build its First US Factory in Colorado
April 17, 2007
Source: Clean Edge News

Vestas recently announced it will establish a blade production facility in Windsor, Colorado.

Based on a thorough placement analysis and in cooperation with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Upstate Colorado Economic Development, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and the Town of Windsor, Vestas has decided to establish its first US-based blade factory in the Great Western Industrial Park in Windsor, Colorado. The decision is among other things based on the park’s central location, as well as the direct access to rail services and a skilled workforce.

The total investment in production equipment, land and buildings is expected to amount to approx EUR 45m (approx USD 60m). Construction of the factory will begin in the spring of 2007, with the start of production planned for early 2008. At full production, the plant will have a production capacity of approximately 1,200 blades per year and the factory will employ around 400 people.

“We are extremely excited that Vestas has chosen the State of Colorado for its first production facility in the USA,” says Bill Ritter, Governor of the State of Colorado and continues: “This is a perfect example of how we are going to build a new energy economy here in Colorado and establish the state as a national and world leader in renewable energy. The State of Colorado welcomes Vestas to the region and we look forward to working together with Vestas in promoting renewable energy in the USA.”

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing energy industries in the world. In 2006 alone, the USA has seen an increase of 30% in capacity, reaching nearly 12,000 total installed MW to date. “As per 30 June 2006, Vestas had installed more than 9,300 wind turbines in the USA and Canada, and the market prospects continue to look promising”, says Jens Søby, President of Vestas Americas A/S and continues: “Establishing a blade production in Colorado is an important step forward in our strategy to grow our business in the North American market.”