The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce joined Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, state and community leaders and company executives from Siemens Energy today to break ground on the new Siemens nacelle assembly facility being built in Hutchinson, KS.
''This will be the signature economic event for the Hutchinson community for a very long time,'' noted Chamber President Dave Kerr. The 300,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to become operational in fall 2010 and will create an estimated 400 green-collar jobs. A 90,000 square-foot service and repair facility is planned to be built adjacent to the factory in the Salt City Business Park.
The Hutchinson facility will allow Siemens to better meet strong demand for wind turbines in the Americas.
''This facility marks the next step in our plan to further expand our U.S. operations, and Kansas — especially Hutchinson — was the ideal location because of the state and local commitment to wind energy development. The support that we have received here has been overwhelming,'' stated Kevin Hazel, head of Siemens Energy's Americas Wind Power supply chain Management. ''The U.S. is and will continue to be one of the most important wind energy markets. As one of the largest suppliers of wind turbines in the U.S., we are proud to call Hutchinson, Kansas, the new home for our wind turbine nacelles in the U.S.''
Over 250 attendees watched as Siemens executives, Gov. Mark Parkinson and state and local dignitaries ceremonially turned spades of dirt for the first major wind turbine equipment factory in Kansas.
''The nation’s energy challenge provides an opportunity for a ‘made in America’ energy program, and Kansas is ready to be a leader in that effort,'' said Governor Mark Parkinson. ''Our state is the perfect place to start, expand or locate a business and we are very excited that Siemens is putting down roots in the Sunflower State.''
Supervisor hiring for the facility is expected to begin early next year. Positions will be posted online at www.usa.siemens.com as they become available. Siemens representatives will be in Hutchinson to conduct a job fair for hourly hiring in spring
