Just south of the Quad Cities, a wind turbine factory is now set to handle the largest order in history. Siemens Energy announced MidAmerican Energy's $1.9 billion order.
Over the next two years Siemens will make 448 new turbines. That means 1,000 construction jobs and 40 new permanent jobs in Fort Madison, Iowa plus job security for 500 current workers.
"It provides us stability. We are exporting blades that we hope to keep a steady stream of employment over the next two years," said Mark Albenze, CEO for Siemens Energy.
Construction has already started with the first of five phases completed. The rest are set to be done by 2015.