Beating Washers Into Wind Turbines In Iowa

Many people know Iowa for its corn. But for decades it was a major source of household appliances, as industry giants like Amana, Maytag and others supplied much of Americans' demand.

Most of the factories are closed now, and the losses hit hard in places like the Amana Colonies, communal villages where ancient German customs are carefully preserved.

But Iowa has since taken the lead in the emerging field of wind energy. Some of the same workers who use to make appliances are now busy building wind turbines. They think these jobs will be a lot harder to export.

Frank Morris reports from member station KCUR.