Renewable energy firm to close Kansas plant indefinitely

HUTCHINSON—Renewable energy firm Siemens Gamesa will be shutting down its Hutchinson nacelle facility
indefinitely to address what it says are continued challenges in production demand for the U.S. onshore wind
energy market, according to a media release.

The plant will shut down at the end of the month and the stoppage will run through July 31. The shutdown also
affects the Ft. Madison, Iowa blade facility. In February the firm reported layoffs involving 69 employees in
Hutchinson and 121 in Iowa.

Employees at both facilities will be released from employment during this time. All affected employees will be
provided with a comprehensive separation package, which includes severance pay, benefits continuation, career
counseling, resume preparation and job placement assistance. The closing affects 92 workers at the Hutchinson plant.

“The hibernation of our manufacturing and assembly facilities is an unfortunate but necessary measure to address
the current challenges in the U.S. onshore wind market,” Shannon Sturgil, CEO of Onshore North America said.
“We continue to pursue new orders and remain fully committed to finding a path in support of our Fort Madison
and Hutchinson manufacturing facilities.”


Renewable energy industries coming to a standstill in this country? Seems like they should be expanding.
Hutch makes the nacelles which go on top of the towers with blades attached. More at link, no paywall.......

https://hayspost.com/posts/2704a6ba-c0e8-4699-823d-1c3d3a668162