Nebraska Wind Tower Factory to Close - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

Columbus is losing one of its factories in November due to uncertainty concerning energy tax credits being extended beyond this year.

Wind tower maker Katana Summit says it will close its plants in Columbus, Neb., and Ephrata, Wash. The plants will close around Nov. 1 unless a buyer can be found for the plants. The Nebraska plant employs 214, and 79 people work at the Washington plant.

Katana Summit plans to complete its existing orders before closing the plants.

CEO Kevin Strudthoff says orders for the towers Katana Summit makes have nearly stopped for 2013 because wind power developers want to know if the tax credits that expire at the end of this year will be renewed.