HUTCHINSON — Renewable energy firm Siemens Gamesa is laying off 69 employees in Hutchinson and 121 in Iowa. Employees were told in meetings on Wednesday. The company builds wind turbines and related services, according to the their web site.
After Wednesday’s workforce reduction, 254 employees remain at the Fort Madison facility and 117 employees remain at the Hutchinson facility.
Shannon Sturgil, CEO of Onshore North America said in a statement that the patent challenge case brought by GE forced the company not to pursue new orders while that was being fought out in court. Sturgil also said that buyers are waiting to see what new climate legislation may come out before making decisions, which has slowed production.
The company said it will provide employees with severance, benefits continuation, career counseling, resume preparation and job placement assistance.