Winergy opens wind turbine gear drives plant in Illinois

Winergy Drive Systems Corporation and Siemens Drive Technologies officially opened a second plant in Elgin, Ill., on August 28. The new plant, representing an investment of more than $20 million, enables the company to meet the growing demand for alternative and renewable energy sources. Winergy is the largest producer of wind turbine gear drives in the United States.

The new plant will create approximately 300 new jobs in production and 55 new office jobs over the next three to four years – which is more than double the current number of employees in Elgin.

The plant, one of the first in Illinois to receive environmental LEED 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," said Parthiv Amin, president of Winergy Drive Systems Corporation. "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," said Governor Pat Quinn. "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," said U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, Illinois 14th District. "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," said Elgin Mayor Ed Schock. "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."

The state of Illinois and the city of Elgin provided a number of incentives to Siemens to help secure the investment including a Wind Energy Development Grant and Employer Training Investment Program job training funds.

Siemens invested more than $20 million to build the infrastructure needed to equip the new plant for production. The new plant will be used for the assembly and testing of mechanical gear drives. 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 located at 1401 Madeline Lane, Elgin, Ill., is 170,000 square feet, expandable up to 330,000 square feet.