Nordex to begin building plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas

• Construction to begin this week, with production slated for 2010
  
• Investment of $100 million will create 700 direct jobs, stimulate local economy
  
• USA will be the world’s single largest market for wind power in 2010
  

Nordex USA, Inc., a leading manufacturer of wind turbines, today announced that it will begin construction this week on its first US manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The announcement comes after a decision by the supervisory board of the parent company, Nordex AG.

“After much careful planning, we are eager to break ground and make the plant a reality,” said Ralf Sigrist, President and CEO of Nordex USA, which is headquartered in Chicago. “The plant is critical to our goal of generating 20% of global revenue in the US, and I must say I am extremely pleased that construction will begin on schedule.”

The US is on track to be the world’s single largest wind market in 2010, with 8,500 megawatts of new capacity projected. Globally, that represents 23% of expected new capacity. The Arkansas plant will position Nordex to be a key competitor in the US, building on its growth of over 50% for four consecutive years. “The US is hungry for wind power,” said Mr. Sigrist, “and Jonesboro will supply it with the highest-quality turbines in the world.”

Construction will take place in two phases, beginning with the nacelle assembly plant and followed by a rotor blade manufacturing facility at the same location. Nacelle assembly will begin ramping up in the second half of 2010, operating at full scale by 2012 with an annual production capacity of 300 turbines, or 750 megawatts. The entire facility, including rotor blade production, will be fully operational by 2014.

The nacelle plant will be built on 187 acres in the Craighead Technology Park and will have 115,000 square feet of production space, 10,000 square feet for a Training Academy and 35,000 square feet of office space.

An official ceremony will take place in September to celebrate the groundbreaking and construction.