Factory for Residential Wind Power Systems Opens in Michigan

The partnership between Nevada-based Mariah Power and Michigan-based MasTech puts an underused auto plant in the northern Michigan city to work as a factory for the Windspire, a small-scale vertical axis wind power system for homes and businesses.

The quiet, easily installed wind-power appliance stands 30 feet tall and operates without the propellers seen on larger wind turbines. It can reduce energy costs by producing enough electricity to power 25 percent of the average home.

Mariah Power is investing $2 million to buy steel and hire up to 140 workers over the next three years. MasTech is investing $1.5 million in new equipment for the Windspire plant.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm was on hand for the opening ceremony. She said the manufacturing facility in Manistee is in keeping with Michigan's plan to grow the renewable energy sector, create jobs and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil in the process.

A Windspire is raised at the site of the new factory in Manistee, Michigan. (Photo courtesy Mariah Power)

"Michigan is proud to be the place where these two companies are partnering to create jobs making these easy-to-use turbines that can generate energy at a home or business," said Granholm. "Demand for wind-energy products will continue to grow as federal initiatives to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil advance."

"The Windspire, manufactured by Michigan workers using Michigan materials, will help Americans rely on energy made, literally, in our own backyards," she said.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation supported the project with a $400,000 federal Community Development Block Grant to assist MasTech with financing the equipment to produce the Windspire.

"As we continue our efforts to diversify and grow our state's economy, we are proud to celebrate the opening of the Windspire manufacturing facility and the new energy jobs this will create in northern Michigan," said the governor. "This investment puts us at the forefront in the production of renewable energy to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels."

Manufacturing will take place in a retrofitted auto parts automation manufacturing facility and will employ former auto industry workers who have prior experience working with steel, building auto assembly lines and auto robotics.

The manufacturing site begins operations with 30 new employees and will produce 100 Windspire wind turbines per month with the number potentially growing to 1,000 Windspires a month.

"Opening our first large-scale production site in Manistee gives us the capabilities to take the Windspire technology to the next level," said Mike Hess, CEO of Mariah Power. "The experience of the people here and the technology we have in place at MasTech will make a product that is best in class."

Materials for the Windspire, such as steel and aluminum, will be supplied by local Michigan companies. About 98 percent of components for the wind power systems will be purchased from Michigan companies, including Alro Steel in Cadillac, Whitehall Industries in Ludington, Norton Packaging in Grand Haven, and Amptech Inc. in Freesoil.

Granholm says Michigan's success in bringing the project to Michigan is part of her strategy to make the state a leader in the renewable energy industry and transition Michigan from reliance on automobile manufacturing to a green economy that creates tens of thousands of jobs.

"The partnership between MasTech and Mariah Power demonstrates how we can put Michigan's strong manufacturing infrastructure to new use making renewable energy products that are in high demand," said Greg Main, MEDC president and CEO. "MasTech chose to locate here, rather than in other states or overseas, in part because of our experienced manufacturers who can quickly apply their machining and advanced technology skills to making the Windspire. This is one of the many industries where Michigan can leverage its manufacturing strength."

The Renewable Portfolio Standard that Granholm signed into law last year is already increasing demand for wind and other clean energy. The RPS requires that at least 10 percent of electricity produced in the state comes from carbon-free sources by 2015.

In her 2009 State of the State address, Granholm called for a 45 percent reduction in the state's use of imported fossil fuels for generating electricity. Granholm also has established six Centers of Energy Excellence around the state to foster the growth of the renewable energy industry.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2009. All rights reserved.