German wind turbine maker Nordex re-enters American market

German Nordex is making good on its announced intention to re-enter the American market after a five year absence. The company has inked a contract with BP Alternative Energy for 60 units of its 2.5 MW turbines, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2009. The turbines could eventually be produced at a new US manufacturing facility. Nordex has been scouting potential locations and expects to make a decision soon. The company's Felix Losada says currency rates make it unfavourable to manufacture Nordex units in Germany for sale to the American market. The company's target is for US sales to represent 15% of Nordex's global business. Before it pulled out of the US in 2002 during a lapse in wind's federal production tax credit and shaky company finances, Nordex had sold 78 MW of turbines to the American market. The turbine agreement with BP includes a five-year service package.