Denmark-based Hendricks Industries says it will build a $32 million plant in Keokuk, Iowa… the fifth wind turbine equipment maker to locate in the state that is also becoming a leader in wind energy production.
This story in the Des Moines Register says Iowa is riding the crest of the potential $10 billion wind energy market:
Already, Iowa has recruited heavy hitters such as Clipper Windpower, Acciona Energy and Siemens Power Generation.
“Iowa has a base that’s only going to grow as manufacturers like Siemens, Clipper and Acciona attract component suppliers,” said Randy Swisher, executive director of the American Wind Energy Association. He noted that wind turbines are made up of 8,000 components.
State and national leaders Wednesday said growth in the renewable energy industry has the potential to help revitalize areas of Iowa hard hit by manufacturing losses.
The deal also calls for Hendricks to spend $2.5 million upgrading the Southeast Iowa Port Terminal. The plant will employ about 380 workers making an average of more than $48,000 a year.