Siemens To Invest $30 Million To Revitalize Plant

Atlanta - Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. (SE&A), announced at a ceremony on December 6th, that it is investing an estimated $30 million in the revitalization of its Norwood, Ohio manufacturing facility. The facility is dedicated to developing, assembling, and testing large electric motors that are used in industrial and factory automation. By expanding and redesigning the facility, Siemens will develop a more efficient and productive manufacturing plant. Construction is expected to begin in January, 2006, and be completed within three years. Siemens is the number one provider of electric motors worldwide.

The revitalization is expected to include a nearly $7 million expansion and renovation of the current Norwood buildings and the purchase of $22 million in new machinery, equipment, and technology including $8.5 million worth of machinery and equipment to be used for research and development. Additionally, the investment will create a "Global Motor" research and technology development center in Norwood that will contribute to enhancements in Siemens motors sold throughout the world.

The State of Ohio has provided a number of incentives to Siemens to help secure the investment and proceed with the upgrade. As a result of the expansion, SE&A expects to maintain the 300 full-time positions at the Norwood facility.

"I am delighted to be helping Siemens break ground on this expansion today as this is exactly the type of global, advanced manufacturing company that represents the future of Ohio's economic landscape," said Ohio Governor Bob Taft. "I want to thank all of the local partners who worked so hard to bring this investment to our state. I also want to thank the executives from Siemens for meeting with our delegation in Germany and believing in our message that Ohio means business."

"Siemens recognizes the value of American innovation and our skilled and productive work force. This investment is a testament to that ingenuity and work ethic," said George Nolen, president and CEO of Siemens Corporation. "We also recognize the support and flexibility that Governor Taft and his staff have put forth to ensure a successful expansion."

"This project is of significant importance to Siemens' growth strategy and a strong signal of our commitment to our employees and to manufacturing in the U.S.," said Aubert Martin, president and CEO, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. "Siemens is confident the Norwood facility will become a center of excellence for the company by producing the highest-quality motors for our customers and driving motor technology innovations that will dramatically improve the efficiency of manufacturing throughout the world."

SOURCE: Siemens