Spain-based, wind-tower manufacturer Gestamp Renewables already has manufacturing facilities in Turkey and Brazil. But the company is looking to build their first North American facility, and sees Wyoming as the perfect spot. Gestamp has partnered with Ohio-based Worthington Industries, Inc. to create a joint venture, Gestamp Worthington Wind Steel, LLC. Together, they will produce towers for wind turbines constructed in the North American market. The initial production facility will stand on 30 acres in Cheyenne, and could employ as many as 150 people when fully operational.
The proposed facility will produce utility-scale towers for 2 to 3-MW wind turbines. The partners plan to begin shipments of 80 to 100-ft long tower sections in early 2012. Initial plans call for production of more than 300 towers per year. The joint venture will generally serve as a subcontractor to manufacture the towers for OEMs.
Wyoming’s good location relative to the growing western U.S. renewable energy market makes the state attractive to many manufacturing companies. Gestamp’s plant will stand in the Cheyenne Logistics Hub near two major rail lines and the intersection of two interstate highways. The state’s Governor Matt Mead says he welcomes the two companies and the manufacturing jobs they will bring. “Wyoming has created a great environment for business and continues its national leadership in the energy sector,” he says.
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