Vestas to close nacelle assembly factory in Taranto

Yesterday, employees at Vestas’ nacelle assembly factory in Taranto, Italy, were informed that Vestas intends to close the factory as part of the on-going adjustment of Vestas’ global production capacity.

“We regret having to close down the factory in Taranto. However, matching Vestas’ global manufacturing organisation with the market conditions is necessary for Vestas to remain competitive,” says Vestas Chief Operating Officer Jean-Marc Lechêne.

Creating a leaner and more asset-light manufacturing organisation is a key part of Vestas’ on-going turnaround plan, adapting to a slow-down in the wind power market in 2013 and expected slow growth in coming years.

“This is a further step in keeping our production facilities running as close to full capacity as possible, which is necessary to support improvements in Vestas’ profitability and the ability to deliver competitive products to our customers,” says Jean-Marc Lechêne.

120 employees at the factory, including factory management, are expected to be affected as a consequence of the intended closure. Negotiations with the employee unions and authorities will be initiated.