Siemens Energy, the third largest maker of wind turbines, has built its first U.S. nacelle production facility in Hutchinson. This is the first major wind turbine manufacturer to locate in Kansas, the state ranked second in the Nation for its wind energy potential. The facility, built in the Salt City Business Park, is expected to create an estimated 400 green-collar jobs.

Former Governor Kathleen Sebelius, new Governor Mark Parkinson and the Kansas Department of Commerce all worked closely with officials from the City, the County and the City of South Hutchinson to demonstrate why Hutchinson would be the right location for Siemens. “Any time a company of this magnitude chooses Kansas, it speaks volumes about our business climate, our workforce and our prime location in the Nation’s wind corridor,” said Governor Parkinson.

Construction on the new nacelle production facility began in August of 2009, with the first 90-ton nacelle shipped in December of 2010. The nacelle is the structure that houses all the electricity-generating components, including the gearbox, drive train and control electronics. The units made in Hutchinson will be for the company’s reliable 2.3 MW (megawatt) wind turbine product family. Initially, planned annual output will be approximately 650 nacelles – or 1,500 MW. A service facility is planned to start up sooner, using temporary space in the area until the new building is completed.

Siemens Energy provides power systems that generate more than one-third of the electricity in the U.S. Siemens employs more than 9,000 people in the energy sector and 70,000 people overall in the U.S., covering the energy, healthcare and industry sectors.