Located at 2618 Mid America Drive, the new wind energy facility will comprise two adjacent buildings totaling 41,000 square feet. The facility will be operational Aug. 1.
Jupiter Group will use the facility to service various wind energy clients throughout the Midwest. The company cited Kansas’ central location in the North American Wind Corridor – as well as the state’s pro-business climate, skilled workforce and composites infrastructure – as key to the decision.
“This is another great day for Kansas’ wind energy industry,” said Governor Mark Parkinson. “We’re proud to welcome an international company like the Jupiter Group to Kansas. Our outstanding business climate, and geographical advantage in the Wind Corridor, has once again paid off. With a continued focus and commitment to this industry, Kansas will become a major hub for wind farms and wind turbine factories, bringing green jobs to Kansas and clean energy to America.”
Jupiter considered various North American locations before choosing Junction City. According to company officials, a Kansas location gives Jupiter economical access to customers throughout the Midwest and a foothold in a region where the wind industry will continue to grow.
Jupiter will open the facility with 15-30 employees. The company plans to add as many as 100 additional employees over the next few years.
The project was facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce with assistance from the Junction City-Geary County Economic Development Commission.
Jupiter Group is a global market leader within high-end and high-quality composite components for the wind turbine industry. The company manufactures composite nacelle covers and spinners, as well as wooden kit structures used in wind turbine blades. The company is also a substantial provider of interior and exterior parts, floors and toilet cabins for the train industry.
Today’s announcement marks the third major wind energy recruitment success for Kansas in the past year. In May 2009, Siemens Energy announced Hutchinson, Kan., as the site of the company’s first U.S.-based nacelle production facility, creating 400 new jobs and $35 million in capital investment.
In December 2009, South Carolina-based Tindall Corporation announced it would bring a wind tower base production facility to Newton, Kan., creating 400 jobs and $66 million in capital investment.
Kansas Wind Industry Background
Kansas’ wind farm generating capacity last year surpassed 1,000 megawatts, making Kansas one of the nation’s top 10 states for wind energy production. The state’s wind generating capacity has more than tripled since the beginning of 2008. This rapid increase in capacity, coupled with the state’s No. 2 national ranking for wind potential, has positioned Kansas among the elite states for wind energy production.
In reaching the 1,000-megawatt milestone, Kansas met Governor Mark Parkinson’s goal of producing 10 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2010. A further target of 20 percent by 2020 has been set, and there is strong interest in the state for expanding the use of both large and small-scale wind energy.
Last year, the Legislature passed a new incentive that authorizes up to $5 million in bond financing for eligible wind and solar projects in Kansas. This is one of the most talked-about alternative energy incentives in the country, and it was one of the key factors in Siemens decision last spring to come to Kansas. Additionally, cost savings are offered to expanding businesses through the elimination of property tax on new business machinery and equipment, as well as income tax credits, sales tax exemptions and training assistance.
Jupiter is a global market leader within high-end and high-quality composite components for the wind turbine industry. Our company manufactures composite nacelle covers and spinners as well as wooden kit structures used in wind turbine blades.
