Siemens Gamesa is cutting 190 jobs at its Fort Madison, Iowa, and Hutchinson, Kansas, production facilities to “address recent challenges in the United States wind energy market”.
The turbine manufacturer said it was reducing by 121 employees the workforce at Fort Madison and by 69 at Hutchinson.
It added that 254 employees remain at the Fort Madison blade factory and 117 at Hutchinson, which has produced about 5500 nacelles since it opened in 2010.
In total, Siemens Gamesa employs approximately 1700 workers across the US.
Siemens Gamesa Onshore North America chief executive Shannon Sturgil said: “Two primary factors contributed to this decision. While the final ruling of the ITC (International Trade Commission) on the recent patent challenge case brought by a competitor was ultimately in our favour, we were temporarily prevented from pursuing new orders during the determination period.
“Additionally, the renewables market in the United States has temporarily slowed in anticipation of the passing of the Build Back Better legislation.
“This impacts our ability to rebound quickly to normal levels of production in those facilities.
“These measures are designed to enable Siemens Gamesa to bridge the gap at its production facilities and prepare for when the market resumes its expected growth levels.”
The company said that all affected employees will be provided with a comprehensive separation package, which includes severance pay, benefits continuation, career counselling, resume preparation and job placement assistance.
It added that Siemens Gamesa remains committed to the US renewable energy market, and to its US workforce.
In January, the US International Trade Commission has rejected almost all of GE’s patent infringement claims against Siemens Gamesa.