KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A California-based wind turbine manufacturer is moving its headquarters and production operations to a site at Kansas City International Airport, where the company plans to create more than 200 new jobs over the next six years.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon hailed Nordic Windpower USA as the type of technology company his administration has been working to bring to the state. His administration approved $5.6 million in incentives for the company to make the move.
"This is an important step forward for the economy of Kansas City and indeed this entire region," Nixon said Tuesday at a news conference.
Nordic Windpower makes two-bladed wind turbines for the rapidly growing wind-energy market. Its current headquarters in Berkeley, Calif., and an assembly facility in Pocatello, Idaho, will be moving to Kansas City.
Nixon said Nordic plans to invest nearly $16 million in facilities at the airport and will be the first wind turbine production plant in the state.
Nordic Chief Executive Officer Tom Carbone praised Nixon's personal involvement in recruiting the company to Missouri, and the outpouring of support from several other state agencies and private firms.