Beckmann Volmer to Build Factory in Arkansas

The AP reported that German manufacturer Beckmann Volmer will build a $10 million plant in Osceola, Arkansas, to produce steel components for wind turbines that will employ up to 500 people. The company will initially hire 300 employees to work at the plant, paying an average wage of $18 an hour. The AP noted that "the turbine parts will be used about 60 miles away in Jonesboro at a turbine manufacturing plant being built by Nordex USA Inc., a factory that is to have 100 workers by the end of 2010 and 240 workers when it reaches full production in 2012. Ultimately, the plant could have 700 workers." Arkansas offered the company an incentive package "that included $1.5 million from the Governor's Quick Action Closing Fund and $2.5 million from a community development block grant. The company will get a cash rebate equal to 5 percent of payroll for 10 years and an abatement of state corporate taxes for 14.5 years."