Winds of Change: Acciona Brings 100 Jobs to West Branch

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/13875067.html

Winds of Change: Acciona Brings 100 Jobs to West Branch

By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter
By Steve Nicoles

Story Created: Jan 17, 2008

WEST BRANCH - If you went outside Thursday you found there is no shortage of wind. A new company has moved into West Branch, Iowa to turn the wind into energy. The company hopes to avoid the fate of other Iowa plants, most recently Victor Plastics.

The winds of change are blowing in eastern Iowa. Acciona Energy dedicated its newest plant in West Branch three days after victor plastics filed for bankruptcy 20 miles away. More than 400 people will lose their jobs in North Liberty. But this West Branch-based wind turbine manufacturer will bring in 100 jobs initially, and maybe many more. Governor Chet Culver said, “What we have to do is transition and take advantage of the new opportunities in our state."

There is nothing quite like wind power to shift one's view. Iowa is bringing in the companies to harness that power. Acciona creates a line of renewable energy companies in eastern Iowa with Siemens to the south in Fort Madison and Clipper in Cedar Rapids. The trio could bring even more business to Iowa. Acciona Energy of North America CEO Peter Duprey said, “You're going to get subcomponent manufacturers coming here because it's close to where the demand is."

Duprey says Acciona could be partly responsible for 1,300 new jobs by 2013. With its location in West Branch, many of those jobs would be in the technology corridor. West Branch Mayor Sandy Hatfield said, “Look at competitive, compatible businesses to assist the businesses already located in an industry park."

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[whatdoyouthink]

1. Good to see

I think its the future...go green

[madrchsod]

2. i read about that company several months ago

that`s good news for those folks...now we need thousands more small manufacturers across this country