A wind technology based out of Nevada is teaming up with Mas Tech Manufacturing in Manistee to mass produce Winspire wind turbines.
Read more: Local, State, Economy, Business, Community, Environment, Mas Tech, Mariah Power, Mike Hess, Renewable Energy, Manistee
MANISTEE -- Close to 300 people from around Manistee, the state and even Governor Granholm came together to celebrate Mariah Power and Mas Tech Manufacturing's new wind turbine production site.
Mariah Power, a wind technology company based out of Nevada is teaming up with Mas Tech Manufacturing in Manistee to mass produce Windspire wind turbines. The Windspires generate wind power and convert it into electricity.
"This sweet spot right here of a renewable energy system, a small wind system that can be installed in people's homes and businesses," says Governor Granholm.
Besides generating electricity though, the new manufacturing site will soon be generating jobs.
"By the end of this year we should be around 100 people. It's strictly a function of how fast we can expand....Right now most of the people are machinists or programmers of high tech machines. What we'll start to see now is inventory people, purchasing people," says CEO of Mariah Power, Mike Hess.
Hess says over the next three years, the manufacturing site will bring in over 120 jobs to Manistee, while creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere.
"The beauty of the Windspire is it's 100% recyclable, it's made of steel and aluminum which is something Manistee really knows a lot about....We will in July and August start building this plant to do a 1,000 a month," says Hess.
Both Hess and Governor Granholm stress that the manufacturing site will not only help the local economy but Michigan as a whole.
"What the Windspire is doing a homerun for us. It's a homerun because individuals will be able to generate energy, make money and save money on energy bills," says Governor Granholm.
"Michigan has something I'm not sure it always recognized it had. It has the capability to manufacture steel and aluminum into any shape and we're working with their skills to make our product better, more reliable, higher quality at a lower costs," says Hess.
Hess says the company plans to have 30 people working for the manufacturing site by next month producing the Windspires that will be sold around the world.
For more information check out Mariah Power's website at: www.mariahpower.com
