Grand Forks wind company lays off more than 300

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- LM Wind Power, one of Grand Forks’ largest manufacturers, announced that it would lay off more than 300, citing weak demand and uncertain political support for the industry.

The reductions include 200 full-time production workers, 15 administrative staff workers and approximately 130 temporary workers and contractors, according to the company’s statement.

LM’s remaining workforce is 270, according to Dan Gordon, the company’s human resources manager. The laid-off workers will stay on the job until Nov. 30.

LM Wind Power in Grand Forks manufactures turbine blades for wind power projects.

Tuesday’s announcement blamed industrywide contraction and federal inaction over the Production Tax Credit, a key wind subsidy set to expire at the end of the year.

U.S. demand for new wind power is likely to fall by 70 percent in 2013, the announcement stated, forcing the company to cut workers.