Vestas has decided to further simplify its global research and development (R&D) footprint to reduce operational costs, according to an announcement from company spokesman, Andrew Longeteig.
He went on to say …

Therefore, Vestas will close its three R&D offices in the United States by the end of the second quarter in 2013.

In addition to previously announced closures of R&D operations in Houston and Marlborough, Mass., the Louisville, Colo., facility also will close. In the next three
to six months, as Vestas closes its R&D offices in Houston, Marlborough and Louisville, there will be a resulting workforce reduction of about 85 people combined at the three locations. This is a difficult decision to part with dedicated and talented people who contributed to Vestas’ success.

Vestas also closed R&D locations this year in China, Denmark and Singapore, and reduced its R&D employee base by about 20 percent compared with 2011. Vestas will continue its R&D presence in six other locations around the world that will be able to design and develop products in a leaner and faster way. This focus on product development expects to more quickly increase turbine efficiency and lower costs for Vestas’ customers.

Vestas has adopted a flexible business strategy during a period of changing market dynamics in the wind industry. Vestas will continue to scale up or down depending on business needs and market demands.