According to local press reports, MFG blamed the layoffs on uncertainty over the future of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and a drop in blade orders by its largest customer, General Electric (GE). MFG had employed 370 employees at the plant, in Aberdeen.
If sales increase, the employees could be re-hired, said officials.
Ohio-based MFG makes nacelles, blades, spare parts, reconditioned blades, and offers factory repairs and ‘enhancements’ for older, smaller turbines. It has six factories and two service centres.
In June, MFG had launched a new brand, MFG Wind, to provide composites support to O&M manufacturers, project operators and equipment resellers.
Congresswoman Kristi Noem, a Republican who represents South Dakota, said: "I believe it is unacceptable that people are losing their jobs because of uncertainty from Washington, and I will continue fighting to get this important tax credit extended."
The MFG job cuts follow a at turbine tower manufacturers across the country, also blamed on the PTC uncertainty.
Nacelle and blades manufacturer axes quarter of workforce
UNITED STATES: In the latest layoffs to hit the US wind industry, Moulded Fiber Glass (MFG) has axed 92 workers in South Dakota - one quarter of its total workforce at the factory.
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