Fallin announces new Siemens wind power plant

The announcement came during a trip led by Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to the American Wind Energy Association annual tradeshow and convention in Anaheim, California. More than 20,000 wind power industry leaders, government officials, and business executives are expected to participate in the event.

Construction of two facilities will begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. With a total of 64,000 square feet, the combined main component, tooling and spare parts facilities will be Siemens’ largest wind power service distribution center to date in the U.S. The geographic location of the primary distribution complex will provide customers with reduced delivery time and greater parts availability, and serve as a hub for wind energy main components and parts, including wind turbines blades, drive assemblies and generators. Over the next five years, the company expects to create up to 40 “green-collar” jobs at the facility.

“Siemens Energy is an international leader in the wind turbines industry and we are excited by this new opportunity in Woodward and partnership with OG&E,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “The opening of such a facility is a testimony to Oklahoma’s combination of outstanding wind resources, business friendly environment, and skilled workforce and education programs.

“As governor, my number one priority is to bring more jobs and investment to the state of Oklahoma and renewable energy has tremendous potential as a source of economic growth in our state. The Siemens investment reinforces what we already know: Oklahoma is great place to do business.”

Said Tim Holt, Siemens’ CEO for Renewables Service, “Oklahoma has demonstrated a growing commitment to renewable energy development and we are delighted to become resident members of the Woodward business community. The need for this large distribution facility clearly indicates the wind industry is maturing rapidly, creating new jobs and new development opportunities.

“Woodward’s location in the central region of the U.S. gives us great access to our wind farm customers in that area and allows us to address their distribution needs in a cost- effective and efficient timeframe. We would like to thank Governor Mary Fallin, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, as well as one of our key customers, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and the Woodward Industrial Foundation for their invaluable expertise, guidance and support during this process.”

LaVern W. Phillips, president of the Woodward Industrial Foundation, said “The Foundation is extremely honored that Siemens Energy has selected Woodward as the site for its wind service distribution center. Not only is Siemens a world leader in wind energy, but it is one of the largest and most respected companies in the world. If you were to prepare a list of all the wind energy companies you would want to attract to your community, Siemens would be at the top of the list.”

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