Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems A/S (Randers, Denmark) has chosen Houston, Texas, as the location for its new American research and development (R&D) center. Houston was picked, says Vestas, because it has a highly qualified workforce, easy access to university research and because of the city's energy-focused R&D environment. In addition, Texas is the top producer of wind energy in the U.S., accounting for 26 percent of the nation's total installed wind capacity. The research center will open in 2009, and when fully operational in 2010, it will employ at least 100 people. Research will focus on mechanics, electricity, control systems, advanced materials and aerodynamics.