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EANS-News: Nordex SE
Nordex opens for business in Arkansas with grand opening of wind turbine plant

Norderstedt (euro adhoc) -

  Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely
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Company Information
Hamburg/Jonesboro, 29 October 2010. Nordex
USA celebrated the official opening of its flagship wind turbine 
manufacturing plant in the US today. Representing a $40 million 
investment, the 150,000 square foot plant is one of the most modern 
production facilities in the wind industry, optimized for lean flow 
and reduced lead times for customers. It positions Nordex as a 
domestic manufacturer of the highest caliber in one of the biggest 
wind energy markets in the world.
"There´s no way around it," said Thomas Richterich, CEO of parent 
company Nordex SE. "To play in the US wind market, you need a 
Made-in-the-USA strategy. Our turbines are some of the most powerful 
and reliable on the global market, and now we can get them to US wind
farms quickly and cost-effectively."
Governor Mike Beebe and Arkansas senior senator, Blanche Lincoln, 
joined with state and community leaders for the event, following a 
tour of the plant. The total planned investment for the site is $100 
million, with further manufacturing capacity to be added in a second 
phase in line with market conditions.
The Nordex plant will build nacelles for 2.5 megawatt turbines that 
belong to Nordex´s new third generation efficiency class - the Gamma 
generation. Production began earlier this month, and the first 
assembled nacelle was on display. Nacelles house the engine and other
key turbine components and sit high atop the turbine tower. The 
assembly time for a nacelle is about two weeks, and the Nordex plant 
has the capacity to produce 300 per year. One Nordex turbine can 
power about 700 American homes.
"Energy is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, 
including the United States" said Ralf Sigrist, President and CEO of 
Nordex USA. "These turbines will help America secure a new domestic 
energy supply without compromising national security or the 
environment."
Since breaking ground on the plant last September, Nordex has hired 
54 employees, about 80% locals, including the first production crew. 
Job functions range from production assembly, process engineering, 
supply chain management, facilities management, training, quality 
assurance, safety, administration and management.
Nordex plans to grow its ranks to nearly 70 in Jonesboro and 175 
nationally by the end of 2010. It has the potential to create a total
of 700 jobs in Jonesboro and 1,000 nationally over the next four 
years, not including indirect jobs created by suppliers and service 
providers. Earlier this year, steel components manufacturer, Beckmann
Volmer announced it would build a $10 million dollar factory and 
employ 500 in neighboring Osceola to supply parts to Nordex. Part of 
Nordex´s strategy is to make its supply chain 80% domestic within the
next nine months.
Governor Mike Beebe, who has led Arkansas´s bid to become a wind 
turbine manufacturing hub, addressed the audience. "The clean-energy 
sector has great potential for creating high-quality jobs in Arkansas
and across the United States," he said. "Nordex has recognized that 
Arkansas has the right location and workforce to produce 
American-made components for the North American wind industry."
The Jonesboro production crew is undergoing extensive practical 
training. The team spent 10 weeks at Nordex´s German factory in 
Rostock, and now their German counterparts have set up residence in 
Jonesboro for four months to work side-by-side with the crew on their
home turf. Jonesboro crew members spoke about their experiences so 
far at the ceremony. "When Nordex first announced they were coming to
Jonesboro two years ago," said Brad Scott, "I started submitting 
resumes. I pursued the opportunity for two years, and am thrilled to 
be a part of the team today."
Senator Lincoln also shared remarks: "I am proud that Nordex is 
helping make Arkansas a leader in wind manufacturing, and they chose 
well in selecting Jonesboro," she said. "I know that the hardworking 
people of this community are ready to get to work, and I look forward
to the job creation and economic growth that are sure to result from 
Nordex´s investment."
Nordex has also built a 10,000 square foot training academy on site, 
and has a partnership in place with the Arkansas State University to 
teach "mechatronic" skills, which combine mechanical and electrical 
know-how and are specific to wind-turbine manufacturing. "We´re 
making a long-term investment in our workforce," said Joe Brenner, VP
of Production. "These are not just jobs, they are careers."
"Arkansas has become a success story for the wind industry," said 
Ralf Sigrist in a keynote address that stressed the huge potential 
for wind in the US - home to the best wind resources in the world. 
"Now, we have to water what we´ve planted. We have to ensure that the
industry we have all worked so hard to establish takes firm root in 
the national market via strong, sound renewable energy policies. Our 
success is your success," he continued, "and with rising demand for 
energy around the corner, the only thing that can get in our way is 
short-sightedness."
Nordex has both completed and planned installations in several 
states, including Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Maryland and 
Colorado. The Arkansas facility will fill all future orders, shipping
turbines to wind farms around the country.
For related, downloadable materials, please visit the webpage for 
this release on the Nordex website at www.nordex-online.com.
end of announcement                               euro adhoc

Further inquiry note:

Felix Losada
Tel.: +49 (0)40 300 30 1141
flosada@nordex-online.com

Branche: Alternative energy
ISIN: DE000A0D6554
WKN: A0D655
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