Within weeks, work is expected to begin repurposing an existing large factory in Belen, New Mexico that will be devoted to the production of wind turbine towers.
The Dallas-based Arcosa company, which specializes in the manufacture of structural wind towers among a variety of other products, says the facility is needed in order to satisfy a backlog of some $750 million in new orders.
The company, also known for its telecom structures and steel and aluminum traffic structures, says the Belen factory will produce the infrastructure for a series of wind energy projects scheduled for completion throughout the southwest.
Repurposing of the plant, which is surrounded mostly by desert land in the 1900 block of New Mexico State Road 304, is being supported by up to $4 million in incentives via the state’s Local Economic Development Act grants. Additionally, funding has been secured via Industrial Revenue Bonds from the City of Belen.
In a statement, Antonio Carrillo, chief executive officer of Arcosa, said the Belen plant will “strengthen our position in the wind tower market,” adding that business in general is booming due to “rising demand for access to clean energy.”
Arcosa is expected to invest up to $60 million both purchasing the site for its manufacturing plant, as well as modifying what used to be the Keter Plastics manufacturing plant, which closed three years ago.
By Garry Boulard
