People of Hutch Learns More About Siemens Site

May 12, 2009

By Alana Rocha

(HUTCHINSON, Kan.)

A worldwide company says it's bringing more than just 400 jobs to Hutchinson. Siemens builds wind turbines.

It's going to open a plant in Hutchinson. Today the company told a packed house it's big plans.

It's a coming attraction that's drawing hundreds hungry for a sneak peek.

"This site will become our showcase for wind energy in America," Siemens V.P. of Supply Chain Management Kevin Hazel said.

Siemens is an international company that dabbles in industry, energy and healthcare.

It employs more than 410,000 employees in 192 countries. Siemens is building a wind energy plant in Hutchinson - set to open in the fall of 2010.

Tuesday Hazel, who was involved with choosing the site, laid out the plan before a packed house.

"I'm really excited to be here on the ground and share it with the public," he said.

The site will manufacture the working part of wind turbines called nacelles.

The venture is expected to create roughly 430 local jobs for assembly, electrical and hydraulic workers. Even more are expected once potential suppliers move to town.

"The purchasing volume will be somewhere between $1.5 billion and $2 billion per year. Think about the pull through and the additional jobs it will make in this region," Hazel told Tuesday's crowd.

That along with Siemens goal of having 90-percent of its production American made by 2012 is expected to put even more local companies to work.

Hazel says Siemens will bring in its own contractors to build the site. Area suppliers filled the seats looking to see where they could fit in.

Hazel says, "They [Siemens Real Estate contractors] will use local labor and will look for local sub-contractors to assist their different activities."

From construction to catering to computers, the people of Hutchinson are looking for the benefits of Siemens coming to town to stretch far beyond the plant site.

"We do business with some major companies in town," Pat Hood said.

Hood wants Siemens to be her next call. She owns a computer service business on Main Street.

Hood says she's looking to be the person Siemens calls when they have an emergency repair.

"There's always been downturns and there's always been comebacks. And maybe this will be our comeback," she said.

Even if that doesn't happen in a year and a half when the Siemens operation is up and running, Hood says she knows it will be worth the wait.

The Siemens plant will serve 1.2 million homes energy.

Hazel says hiring will begin in the first and second quarters of next year. He adds it will progress, adding an average of 25 to 40 workers each month.

Siemens expects to release a more detailed job plan soon.

Stay with Eyewitness News on air and online for the latest on Siemens' plans.

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