Siemens announced plans to build a new production plant for 60-Hz gas turbines at its existing facility in Charlotte, N.C. The company will create a new global production hub for gas and steam turbines and generators for supply to the U.S. and other 60-Hz markets. The initial investment will be approximately $135 million. Production is slated to start in the fall of 2011. Siemens expects employment at the Charlotte site to grow to nearly 1,800 people – 1,000 new positions – over the next five years.
In the future, all Siemens’ gas turbines for 60-Hz markets will be produced at the Charlotte facility. As a result, the production of 60-Hz gas turbines at the Hamilton, Ontario, site will be phased out. Siemens’ Berlin, Germany, facility will still produce gas turbines for 50-Hz markets.