Elgin wind plant is the green 'future'

Germany-based Siemens opened a $20 million plant in Elgin that will create "green collar" jobs making and testing gearboxes for turbines that harness wind energy.

But, according to local politicians and Gov. Pat Quinn, the new Winergy plant is a strike against petro-dictators who shun democracy, a boon for the middle class and part of the economic recovery, an example of jobs that won't be outsourced, and a step toward a mandate to have 25 percent of its energy come from renewable resources by the year 2025.

"This is the wave of the future," Quinn said after helping Elgin Mayor Ed Schock and others cut a ribbon Friday morning at the 170,000-square-foot plant. "We want to have all-American energy that comes from the wind and that's what we're doing right here, building gears and turbines that are really going to power the electric needs for our state and our country for the rest of the century."

Parthiv Amin, president of Winergy, which is a division of Siemens, said the company has doubled its space in Elgin in the last three years and will hire 300 more people in coming years.

"Siemens is a name that is synonymous with quality, commitment and involvement in the community," Schock said. "This is a powerhouse corporation and to have two of their facilities in Elgin is every mayor's dream."

Winergy's opening is the second large high-tech opening in Elgin this year.

In May, Mazak Optronics, a manufacturer of laser cutting machines, moved its U.S. headquarters from Schaumburg to Elgin. That move was accomplished without the need for city incentives.

Siemens received incentives from the state and city in what Schock called a "partnership."

City spokeswoman Sue Olafson said city incentives included $95,000 for the creation of 95 jobs that pay $40,000 or more a year and waiving $80,000 in city permit and impact fees.

The city also applied for and received $150,000 in state funding on the company's behalf and the city and the state also agreed to not collect sales tax on the materials to build the facility, a savings of $635,000 for Siemens.

The state's contribution was about $5.7 million, including $1.25 million for a grant to develop wind energy.

"It's exciting to see these investments paying off in the hundreds of new jobs here," said Congressman Bill Foster, a Batavia Republican.

State Sen. Michael Noland and State Rep. Keith Farnham also attended the ceremony and a tour afterward of the northwest side facility.