Wind technology company plans to relocate to KC, create 200 jobs, Gov. Nixon announces

KANSAS CITY, KS, December 23, 2010 (Press-News.org) Missouri's growing wind industry took an important step forward today, as Gov. Jay Nixon announced plans from a turbine technology manufacturer to relocate its operations and create more than 200 jobs in Kansas City.

During a visit to Kansas City International Airport, Gov. Nixon announced that his administration has authorized a $5.6 million incentive package for Nordic Windpower USA, a California company that produces two-blade wind turbines for major energy production. The incentive package includes resources from the state's Community Development Block Grant, new jobs training, and employee recruitment and referral programs, as well as sales tax exemptions for equipment and machinery purchased.

As a result of the incentive package, Nordic Windpower will be able to move forward with plans to relocate its headquarters and operations from California and Idaho to facilities near Kansas City International Airport. According to company plans, the move will involve a capital investment of nearly $16 million and the creation of more than 200 local jobs over the next six years.

"As we look at Missouri's economic future, we know that energy will be a high-growth industry in our state," Gov. Nixon said. "By expanding the production of clean, renewable and domestic energy in Missouri, we provide reliable power for our communities, and we fuel the economy of the future. I am pleased that we are able to authorize this strategic incentive package for Nordic Windpower, and we look forward to working with the company to create hundreds of jobs here in the Show-Me State."

"Nordic Windpower is very excited to be working in Kansas City with its strong sense of community, talented workforce, and proximity to transportation and our community wind customer base in the central wind corridor," said Tom Carbone, CEO of Nordic Windpower. "We appreciate the warm welcome from Gov. Nixon, and the work of the Missouri Partnership, Kansas City Area Development Council, and the Economic Development Commission of Kansas City in helping us to make this important decision."

When considering states for its relocation, Nordic Windpower also explored locations in Texas and Mississippi. Ultimately, Missouri prevailed over those locations because of the region's strength in advanced energy engineering, innovation and support from Kansas City Power & Light, and a strong partnership between Gov. Nixon's administration, the City of Kansas City, Platte County, and the Kansas City Aviation Department, which provided critical assistance in identifying the right facilities for the company.

"A lot of critical elements came together at the right time to make this move possible for Nordic Windpower," said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. "Gov. Nixon made this project a priority from day one, supported by leadership from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Aviation Department, the Missouri Partnership, Platte County and KCP&L. This incredible team effort has resulted in more than 200 new jobs for our region, and an even stronger foundation for K.C.'s advanced energy industry."

About The Missouri Partnership:
Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state's business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the Partnership's team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information about The Missouri Partnership visit http://www.missouripartnership.com.