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Acciona dedicates West Branch plant
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 23, 2008
Surrounded by the gigantic parts that go into a wind turbine, Gov. Chet Culver and other area leaders on Thursday praised Acciona Energy not only for job creation and economic development, but also for helping offer more renewable energy to the world.
Acciona representatives, in turn, announced the newly opened West Branch plant would soon begin production of turbines that would generate twice the megawatts of those originally planned for the 200,000-square-foot facility.
And while leaders and company representatives repeatedly talked about continuing, mutually beneficial partnerships, Acciona then presented West Branch Mayor Sandy Hatfield with a $15,000 check for the city's downtown enhancement effort as a sign of appreciation for the city's support of the $23 million expansion of the former Sauer-Danfoss site.
Culver said, quoting anthropologist Margaret Mead, that one should "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."
"I see that group of committed people right here," he said. "This is just the tip of the turbine."
The governor noted that the company's first wind turbine manufacturing plant in the United States chose to open "in the heart of the Upper Midwest's wind belt" and in one of the "Top 10 states in solar potential."
"Perhaps we can build on this renewable energy portfolio," he said.
Culver, who wants to make Iowa the renewable energy capital, said that the wind turbine industry has created 1,800 jobs statewide in the past year. Acciona's North America CEO Peter Duprey said the West Branch plant, by 2010, will prompt the creation of 1,300 jobs, including the 110 it will employ.
"I believe Iowa can become the first state with complete energy independence," Culver said.
Duprey agreed.
"This is much bigger than a plant dedication," he said.
University of Iowa President Sally Mason called the new plant "glorious."
"This plant moves us significantly into a new age," she said. "This puts West Branch, eastern Iowa and the state on the map of environmental stewardship and on the forefront of the green community."
The U of I provided Acciona with some of its engineering needs to help draw the company here.
Acciona Wind Power's Director General Pedro Ruiz, who scouts locations for Acciona, said the governor and Acciona have "the same vision and the same dream of a group of people who want to change the world."
Thinking big
Ruiz said that the 400 turbines produced annually by the West Branch plant will increase Acciona Energy's power production to 2,600 megawatts a year.
He added that though the plant, which opened Dec. 3, will start by making 1.5 megawatt turbines, it was built to accomodate a 3 megawatt turbine that is currently in development. A 1.5 megawatt turbine can provide electricity to 450 homes, Ruiz said.
Duprey said afterward that the 3 megawatt turbines will likely begin production in 2010 without further expansion.
"If business takes off, though, we could expand," he said.
Acciona's North America Vice President of Manufacturing Adrian LaTrace said this was the "fastest-built wind turbine plant" in the company's 100-year history. The groundbreaking was in May.
"We will continue to invest globally," he said. "But we recognize that starts at the local level, like in West Branch."
Mayor Hatfield recalled the groundbreaking for the Sauer-Danfoss site 11 years ago (the location was closed due to company consolidation) and said she was excited to see this new addition to the "growth and vitality" of Iowa's technology corridor.
She thanked the U of I, economic development groups in Cedar County and Iowa City, Kirkwood Community College, Alliant Energy and past and current city staff for helping bring Acciona to West Branch.
"We are truly pleased Acciona chose West Branch," she said. "We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship."
Mason added to that, reminding the company that the U of I "is right down the road" should it need more help.
"Welcome to the neighborhood and welcome to Iowa," she said. "And best wishes for great success."
Duprey thanked her and the others.
"This plant is critical to our success in the future," he said.
Facts and Figures
Cost of expanding the former Sauer-Danfoss site: $23 million. Construction time: 7 months.Developer, architect: Ryan Companies of Cedar Rapids. Total size of expansion: 200,190 sq. ft. (13,000 sq. ft. office space). Property: 36 acres. Jobs created: 60 currently, 110 by summer; Production: 200 turbines in 2008, 400 expected by 2009. Crane capacity: 190 tons. First shipment: Acciona Energy’s North America wind farms. Status in company: Acciona’s West Branch assembly plant its first in North America, fourth worldwide (2 in Spain, 1 in China). Turbines in production: AW-1500 (1.5 megawatts). Turbine measurements: Tower about 260 feet; rotor diameter from 250 to 270 feet. Highest point: about 400 feet. (Statue of Liberty with pedestal: 305 feet; Washington Monument: 555 feet). Turbines planned by 2010: AW-3000 (3 megawatts). Plant Manager: Scott Mahr. Company headquarters: Spain. North American HQ: Chicago, Ill.
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