Mariah Power Opening Turbine Factory In Manistee, MI - Will Employ Former Auto Workers - ENN

[hatrack]

Mariah Power, a wind technology company, is opening its first high-volume wind turbine (Windspire) manufacturing facility in Manistee, Michigan. The facility will bring more than 120 jobs to Manistee over the next three years. 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.

A grand opening celebration will be held at the Manistee facility on April 20th. Festivities include plant tours, scheduled remarks from Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm, and free community celebration with food and music.

Michigan's jobless rate has been progressively increasing over the past few months, with the current unemployment rate at 12.6 percent. Much of the state’s unemployment is due to the failing auto industry. The opening of the wind turbine manufacturing facility is a positive turnaround for Michigan's economy. As part of Michigan’s Green Jobs Initiative, the state is increasing its efforts to move Michigan into the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries. Through increased partnerships with employers such as Mariah Power, and other economic development partners, the state is positioning itself to lead the country. The Manistee wind turbine facility is reported to begin operations with 30 new employees and will produce 100 wind turbines per month with the number potentially growing to 1,000 wind turbines per month. Materials for the turbines, such as steel and aluminum, will also be supplied by local Michigan companies.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/business/article/39722

[phantom power]

1. This needs to be the model for economic recovery

[hunter]

2. Models without a grid intertie would be interesting.

I think these would make a good electric water well pump drivers in remote areas where people don't have access to clean water.

But if affluent people want them as green power producing yard art, more power to them, especially if they are employing people who have lost their jobs in the auto industry.