12:35 CET - 02 Oct. 2013

To match production capacity with market demands, Vestas Executive Management intends to close the nacelle assembly factory in Taranto, Italy. Negotiations with local employee organisations will be initiated as soon as possible.

Yesterday, employees at Vestas’ nacelle assembly factory in Taranto, Italy, were informed that Vestas intends to close the factory as part of the on-going adjustment of Vestas’ global production capacity.

“We regret having to close down the factory in Taranto. However, matching Vestas’ global manufacturing organisation with the market conditions is necessary for Vestas to remain competitive,” says Vestas Chief Operating Officer Jean-Marc Lechêne.

Creating a leaner and more asset-light manufacturing organisation is a key part of Vestas’ on-going turnaround plan, adapting to a slow-down in the wind power market in 2013 and expected slow growth in coming years.

“This is a further step in keeping our production facilities running as close to full capacity as possible, which is necessary to support improvements in Vestas’ profitability and the ability to deliver competitive products to our customers,” says Jean-Marc Lechêne.

120 employees at the factory, including factory management, are expected to be affected as a consequence of the intended closure. Negotiations with the employee unions and authorities will be initiated.

For more information, please contact:

Velia Senatore External Communications Partner, Vestas Mediterranean Tel. +39 331 65 68 406 Email: veise@vestas.com

Michael Zarin Head of External Communications Group MarCom Corporate Relations Tel: +45  9730 7846 Email: mizar@vestas.com

About Vestas

Every single day, Vestas wind turbines deliver clean energy that supports the global fight against climate change. Wind power from Vestas’ almost 50,000 wind turbines currently reduces carbon emissions by over 60 million tons of CO2 every year, while at the same time building energy security and independence. Today, Vestas has delivered wind energy in 73 countries, providing jobs for around 17,000 passionate people at our service and project sites, research facilities, factories and offices all over the world. With 62 per cent more megawatts installed than our closest competitor and more than 57 GW of cumulative installed capacity worldwide, Vestas is the world leader in wind energy.   Vestas as of June 30, 2013 employed 713 people in Italy within service, sales and production.

We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at vestas.com. 

Vestas to close nacelle assembly factory in Taranto