Winergy Drive Systems Corp., a subsidiary of Germany-based Winergy AG, and Siemens Drive Technologies have officially opened a second plant in Elgin, Ill. The new plant represents an investment of more than $20 million and enables Winergy to meet the growing demand for alternative and renewable energy sources, the company says.
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, Ill.
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,’ says Parthiv Amin, president of Winergy Drive Systems.
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 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.
SOURCES: Winergy Drive Systems Corp., Siemens Drive Technologies
