Colorado Governor Ritter Celebrates Opening Of Vestas Plant

March 5, 2008 -- WINDSOR -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter today celebrated the grand opening of Vestas Blades' wind blade manufacturing plant here, touting the production facility's 650 jobs as a monumental investment in Colorado's growing New Energy Economy.

"Thank you, Vestas, for coming to Colorado, for investing in Windsor, and for helping us change the way we produce and ultimately consume energy in a way that benefits our environment, our economy and our communities," Gov. Ritter said during today's ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new production plant.

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"Vestas is one of our pioneering partners and anchor tenants in the manufacturing end of Colorado's New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "Vestas may be the first, but it won't be the last. Today marks a pivotal moment in Colorado's history. What we're doing here puts Colorado, and the nation, on a path toward a more secure and independent energy future."

The 400,000-square-foot Vestas plant will produce 1,800 giant wind blades a year and employ 650 people when fully operational. This is Denmark-based Vestas' first North American manufacturing plant.

Gov. Ritter and Vestas announced today that the company will donate the first blade produced in Windsor so that it stays in Colorado. The Governor's Energy Office will work with Vestas to identify a recipient and location for the installation.

"Congratulations, Governor, for putting Colorado at the forefront of the nation's charge toward alternative energy," James P. Cain, U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, said during today's ceremony. "Without your passion and commitment, we would not be here celebrating today."

Source: Colorado Governor