Nordex is planning to build a wind energy manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas (US). Construction starts this week, and completion has been set sometime in 2010. The plant represents a USD 100 million investment, and is expected to generate 700 direct jobs, and stimulate the local economy.

Nordex has decided to build a US based manufacturing facility for the main reason that the US wind energy market is the fastest growing and expanding market in the world. With 8500 MW of projected new capacity in 2010, representing about 23% of new capacity worldwide, the company's decision is logical.

Plant construction wil happen in two phases, starting with a nacelle manufacturing facility. This part of operations will be at full scale by 2012, producing 300 turbines annually, or about 750 MW. Rotor blade production will be operational by 2014.

Since the accompanying jobs require technically skilled workers, Nordex is planning to invest in workforce training.

The Jonesboro plant will be an original equipment manufacturer and will produce the N90 and N100 2.5 MW wind turbines.