Sioux City manufacturer could see new business from Rock Island Clean Line project

Sabre Industries, which makes large transmission towers in Sioux City, could see new business from a proposal to build a $2 billion transmission line across Iowa, designed to move wind energy from the Midwest to eastern United States.

Clean Line Energy said today that Sabre is a preferred supplier of transmission structures for the Rock Island Clean Line project, a 500-mile overhead, direct current transmission line that will deliver up to 3,500 megawatts of wind power from northwest Iowa and the surrounding region to communities in Illinois and other states to the East.

The project has attracted opposition across the state — from farmers concerned the possible use of eminent domain to obtain land to residents concerned about the impact of a high-voltage line.

Local, state and corporate leaders said the project would create jobs in Iowa. “The Rock Island Clean Line project, along with leading Iowa manufacturers like Sabre, are enabling one of our state’s most abundant resources – wind – to go to market, thus creating jobs and stimulating our economy,” said Debi Durham, the state’s economic development director, at a press conference with energy and manufacturing leaders.

Sabre said it plans to use as many local suppliers as possible for the project. Sabre’s Iowa plant employs about 450 people — jobs that include fabrication, welding, shipping and administration.

“Sabre Industries recognizes the tremendous benefits that the Rock Island Clean Line will bring to northwest Iowa and is proud to collaborate with them to continue Iowa’s tradition of providing quality manufacturing,” said Peter Sandore, Sabre Industries CEO.

The companies said the project could create thousands of construction jobs and spur demand for about 2,000 new wind turbines and create jobs for Iowa’s wind energy companies.