Nordex has begun operations at a new wind turbine manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The facility will produce nacelles.

"Two years ago, we announced our intention to make Nordex wind turbines in the U.S., for the U.S.," said Ralf Sigrist, President and CEO of Nordex USA, Inc. "Today we're putting our hands to the metal and doing it. We hope Congress will do the same by finally passing meaningful renewable energy legislation."

The company has hired 42 employees in Jonesboro, of which approximately 80 percent are Jonesboro locals. Nordex is planning to build a second facility to assemble rotor blades.