A Denmark-based company plans to open a windmill blade factory in the Great Western Industrial Park in Windsor that will employ more than 400 jobs.

The Rocky Mountain News first reported on the deal with Vestas Blades in January.

"Today is a great day for the Weld County economy," said Larry Buckhardt, president and CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development

"The decision of Vestas to locate in Windsor means, among other things, that 400 local residents and many families will have an opportunity to pursue productive careers with an industry leader.

He said "many partners" worked to bring "this important industry (to this) location.

Groups that worked on the deal included the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Weld County, the Town of Windsor, Weld County Employment Services, Aims Community College and Great Western Development Company. Great Western Development is a subsidiary of the Denver-based Broe Cos.

Burkhardt said that the project will serve as Vestas’ North American headquarters, and represents an important step toward establishing the Upstate Colorado region as a leader in the emergence of renewable energy as a growth industry.

Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems A/S, headquartered employs 12,000 worldwide. The company has installed more than 31,500 wind turbines in more than 60 countries. Upstate Colorado Economic Development staff have been working with Vestas representatives to support this location decision since the summer of 2006.