Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has announced more layoffs at plants in Kansas and Iowa.
The company has laid off 92 workers at its nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, where 69 jobs had been eliminated in February. There were 171 layoffs in Fort Madison, Iowa where wind turbine blades are manufactured. The Iowa plant had laid off 121 workers in February.
Siemens officials are calling the layoffs a “temporary hibernation” that will begin in June and July. This will be for an indefinite period of time and there is no date for a return to work. The affected employees will get a separation package with severance pay, a continuation of benefits and career counseling.
The company said it was unable to pursue orders during a time when it was facing a patent challenge over its onshore wind turbines. The International Trade Commission eventually ruled in favor of Siemens, but there has been a slowdown in the U.S. wind power market.
