Ritter, Vestas Announce Plans to Build Large Wind Generation Facility Near Pueblo

Gov. Bill Ritter joined officials from Vestas Towers A/S, a Danish company, to announce plans to build the world's largest wind tower manufacturing plant in Pueblo.

“I applaud Vestas for continuing to invest in Colorado – this time in Pueblo – and for bringing new jobs to one of the greatest communities in the state,” Gov. Ritter said. “Vestas’ decision to locate what will be the world’s largest wind tower manufacturing plant here in Pueblo demonstrates that our New Energy Economy is benefiting every corner of Colorado.”

The $240 million capitol investment includes a manufacturing facility that will produce up to 900 steel towers annually for Vestas wind turbines, employing 450 to 550 workers, not including other contracting and consulting jobs. The plant is scheduled to open in 2009.

The tower manufacturing plant represents the largest single investment in Vestas history. Vestas officials cited easy access to rail and highways, the state's highly skilled workforce, a favorable business climate, and strong dedication and commitment from state and local leaders to growing Colorado's New Energy Economy as reasons for further expanding their Colorado operations.

Today’s announcement follows last week’s announcement that Vestas will open two new production facilities in Brighton, one to make wind blades and the other to assemble nacelles.

Nacelles are the housing units that sit atop the tower and contain the gearbox, generator and transformer. Vestas opened its first North American manufacturing facility in Windsor earlier this year.

All four production facilities amount to a $700 million capital investment by Vestas, and will result in the creation of nearly 2,500 new jobs in Colorado.