Posted: Tuesday, 21 April 2009 3:55PM



 

Mariah Power Co. this week announced the opening of its first high-volume manufacturing site in Manistee, in partnership with materials handling specialists MasTech Manufacturing.

The plant will produce the Windspire vertical axis wind turbine, bringing more than 120 jobs to Manistee over the next three years.

Manufacturing will take place in a retrofitted auto parts plant and will employ former auto industry workers who have prior experience working with steel, building auto assembly lines and auto robotics. Hear their stories at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-2purpZXFk.

"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 Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "This investment puts us at the forefront in the production of renewable energy to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels."

The 30,000-square-foot plant begins operations with 30 employees and will produce 100 Windspire wind turbines per month with the number potentially growing to 1,000 Windspires a month. The company said materials for the Windspire, such as steel and aluminum, will be supplied by local Michigan companies.

"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."

The Windspire, the first product from Mariah Power, is a small-scale vertical axis wind turbine designed to power homes or businesses. It stands just 30 feet tall. And the company says it connects easily to the power supply of any building with technology trademarked as "plug 'n produce," reducing energy costs.

More at www.mariahpower.com.