The existing plant will be maintained to manufacture the gears and components that will be assembled and tested in the new plant. It will also house the services and repairs business. The new plant is spread in 170,000 square feet area and is expandable up to 330,000 square feet.
Illinois state and the city of Elgin provided alot of incentives to Siemens to help secure the investment including a Wind Energy Development Grant and Employer Training Investment Program job training funds.
The plant has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, was built using recycled steel and designed with Siemens energy efficient lighting and heating and cooling systems, which are expected to save $500,000 annually in energy costs and reduce annual water use by 250,000 gallons.
“This facility is a great example of how sustainability has helped transition a traditional industry into a newer, greener one — increasing production, creating ‘green’ jobs and reducing its environmental footprint,” Winergy Drive President Parthiv Amin said. “It is also a fine example of the company’s commitment to providing technologies that are produced in an environmentally responsible manner and promote energy efficiency.”
“I salute Siemens and Winergy for the investment in clean, renewable energy and for providing green jobs in our state,” Illinois Governor Quinn said. “Together we are taking another step to make Illinois more sustainable through alternative energy sources such as wind power.”
“I am proud Winergy and Siemens are here in Elgin. They will create good, high-tech jobs and help grow our economy for years to come,” U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, Illinois 14th District, said. “This is exactly the kind of growth and success we need to stay competitive globally, and I look forward to continuing the pursuit of solutions that will ensure long-term economic prosperity for the 14th District.”
“Winergy and Siemens are providing important ‘green’ jobs to our area as business and industry shift toward conservation and renewable energy models,” Elgin Mayor Ed Schock said. “The city of Elgin can provide skilled workers for these jobs while also ensuring the right policies and procedures are in place to provide for smart growth and sustainable development.”
