Press Release- June 14, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
VESTAS BLADES BREAKS GROUND ON FIRST NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING PLANT IN WINDSOR
WINDSOR - Vestas Blades of Denmark broke ground today on its first North American manufacturing plant in Windsor, becoming one of the pioneers of Gov. Bill Ritter's New Energy Economy.
The $62 million, 200,000-square-foot facility will produce about 1200 blades a year for wind turbines when the plant is operational starting in 2008. It will provide about 450 manufacturing jobs.
"Wind is free. Wind is inexhaustible, and wind technology is cost-competitive," said Jens Soby, president of Vestas Americas.
Soby credited Gov. Ritter and other state officials for creating a business-friendly environment for renewable energy companies such as Vestas. "You get a special feeling when you come to Colorado," Soby said. "It's the right place to be doing business."
Gov. Ritter praised Vestas for bringing a business to Colorado that will provide jobs, create economic opportunity in rural Colorado, and contribute to the state's quest for energy independence and improved national security.
"Not only is wind free, but it's clean," Gov. Ritter said, noting that Colorado is the 11th windiest state in the nation. "In making history here today, we are making a statement to the rest of the country that we will be renewable energy leaders around the world and certainly here in the United States. This plant will help us fulfill that vision."
Note to Editors: Photographs from the event will be available at www.colorado.gov/governor by clicking on Photo Gallery.