Pipestone wind turbine plant laying off up to 160

PIPESTONE, Minn. - A wind power company in southwestern Minnesota has announced it will eliminate 70 jobs this summer with another 90 layoffs possible by the end of September.

According to a letter sent to city officials, Suzlon will make the first round of layoffs at the Pipestone turbine blade plant by Aug. 2. Another 90 job losses will likely be added to that tally.

Pipestone Mayor Laurie Ness says the news is "crushing blow" to the city.

The community had 200 layoffs last year when boat manufacturer U.S. Marine closed its plant in October.

Ness says city officials will meet Monday with the local economic development authority to discuss how to assist laid-off workers.

India-based Suzlon manufactures wind turbines and has a presence in 21 countries.

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Information from: The Daily Globe, http://www.dglobe.com