Tower Tech Expands to Abilene
May 28, 2008
BROADWIND ENERGY SUBSIDIARY, TOWER TECH SYSTEMS, TO EXPAND WIND TOWER PRODUCTION CAPACITIES
Production facilities to be added in South Dakota and Texas
Broadwind Energy, Inc. announced on May 28, 2008 that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tower Tech Systems, will expand its wind tower manufacturing operations to Sioux Falls, SD and Abilene, TX.
Broadwind CEO J. Cameron Drecoll said transportation and logistics for tower sections have become increasingly complex and costly to the wind energy marketplace. Broadwind and Tower Tech will provide tower production capabilities close to major wind energy development areas and supply logistical services to project sites. He added that the service bundle will provide benefits to customers that will be unique in the industry, such as reducing risks associated with long-distance transport.
Lars Moller, Broadwind's chief operating officer, said, "The factories are specially--designed, single-piece-flow production units that capitalize on lean technologies. These greenfield facilities will be the first of their kind in North America specifically built for tower manufacturing, thus allowing for optimum production efficiencies for our customers."
The local economic development councils in each of the communities were pivotal in site selection, providing incentive packages and aggressively supporting the projects. Paul Smith, representing the Tower Tech implementation team, added, "Our team has been working closely with the economic development organizations in both Sioux Falls and Abilene, and the experiences have been very rewarding. Whenever we ran into an issue, they went the extra mile to find solutions. The support during this process was excellent, and we look forward to long-standing and mutually-beneficial relationships with these communities."
The Abilene facility is expected to initially employ more than 150 workers, with significant expansion options available. The plant is expected to begin production by early 2009.
