Vestas Wind Systems has announced it is closing its research and development office in Louisville. As KUNC’s Nathan Heffel reports, this comes after announcing the closure of two other such Vestas offices in Texas and Massachusetts.
The Louisville closure means 60 jobs will be lost in Colorado. Vestas had released a plan in October which would have consolidated the company’s R&D offices in Brighton. However, Vestas spokeswoman Susan Innis says it will now close the US offices to simplify its global R&D footprint, and reduce operational costs.
"This has been a difficult decision to part with dedicated and talented people, who contributed to Vestas’ success. The three R & D locations in the US will close by the end of the 2nd quarter 2013."
Innis adds that Vestas remains committed ‘for the long haul’ to Colorado. This is the latest in a series of layoffs by Vestas in the state. The company has said uncertainty in the extension of the US Wind Tax Credit has slowed down wind turbine demand, and necessitated job cuts.
