Arcosa Wind Towers, a subsidiary of infrastructure manufacturer Arcosa Inc., plans to open a nearly $60 million wind-tower production facility in Belen, New Mexico.
The manufacturer has received $750 million in orders for the main wind turbine component, with the majority of the wind energy projects located in the Southwest, according to the state’s economic development department. Production is expected to begin mid-2024, with orders ensuring steady production through 2028.
Arcosa has built its production footprint close to end project sites, lowering transportation expenses and risk. Its presence is concentrated inside the U.S. Wind Corridor, which houses the bulk of the country’s wind energy resources, with facilities in Illinois, Iowa and Oklahoma.
“We look forward to expanding our manufacturing capacity to New Mexico, where market demand for new wind projects is robust,” President and CEO of Arcosa, Inc. Antonio Carrillo said in a statement. “We are pleased to create new jobs in the State of New Mexico, which has been a supportive partner and a strong proponent of wind energy development.”
The manufacturer will re-purpose a facility formerly occupied by Keter, along a BNSF rail spur in Belen.
New Mexico awarded Arcosa $4 million through its job-creation fund to assist with the expansion, according to the release. The manufacturer expects to create 250 jobs for the Valencia County workforce.
“The transition to clean energy brings with it more diversified, higher-paying and skilled jobs,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in a statement. “Arcosa is repurposing an old factory for new investments in our state and our communities — this is a win-win.”
Companies like Arcosa are expanding to meet growing demand for wind-energy development. Investments come as the Inflation Reduction Act allocates $369 billion in funds to boost clean energy infrastructure.
