Congressman Huelskamp Tours Siemens Operation in Hutchinson

Press Release

Also receives briefing from U.S. Department of Commerce and the South Central Kansas Economic Development District

On Tuesday, Congressman Tim Huelskamp, U.S. Representative from the First District of Kansas, participated in a site visit, briefing, and tour at the Salt City Business Park and Siemens Wind Power with representatives of the Hutchison/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, and the South Central Kansas Economic Development District.

"The industrial diversity of the First District of Kansas continues to amaze me," Congressman Huelskamp said. "Today's visit with Siemens Wind Power provided a close-up view of how Kansas is on the cutting-edge when it comes to harnessing its natural resources. I appreciate Dave Kerr with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Robert E. Olson with the Commerce Department's EDA, and Claus Ungstrup with Siemens for taking the time to brief my staff and me about new and ongoing projects in Hutchinson."

"Learning that this new plant is projected to create 400 jobs in Kansas is definitely welcome news, and we must find ways to make sure that other job creators have the confidence and assurances they need to expand their operations, too. Employers in other parts of the state have told me time and time again that what they need from Washington is more regulatory, economic, and tax certainty; I will continue to work for that as their representative in Congress."

Others in attendance offered the following remarks:

EDA Denver Regional Director Robert E. Olson: "The development of this new cluster of activity, investment and jobs associated with the wind power industry will further energize the regional economy. EDA is proud to support its growth."

Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce President Dave Kerr: "We were very pleased that Congressman Huelskamp took the time today to personally check out the progress that has been made in Hutchinson in developing an industrial park that meets the needs of a top quality company like Siemens Wind Power. The new Siemens Wind Nacelle Plant with its projected 400 green jobs is here in part because of the local, state and federal partnership which developed a site with the necessary acreage, roads and rail access that allows them to efficiently build and ship huge equipment to all parts of North America. Together with Congressman Huelskamp, we were delighted to have a visit by Robert Olson, Denver Regional Director of the federal Economic Development Administration, who has been very helpful in assisting local government in developing our industrial assets."

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