Ventower Industries to Host Facility Tour and Discuss Wind Energy
MONROE, MI., (July 30, 2015) – Today, Ventower Industries held a luncheon and tour of its 115,000 square-foot facility for several state legislators. The event included a presentation from the wind industry to showcase the benefits wind energy development brings to Michigan, the well-paying jobs that support the industry, and the importance of good energy policy in securing a clean energy economy that will generate new jobs, enhance economic development, drive new tax revenue, while encouraging utilities to purchase “Michigan-grown” products.
“Ventower Industries opened Michigan’s first wind tower manufacturing facility on a former brownfield site in 2011,” said Gregory Adanin, President/CEO of Ventower. “Because Michigan had public policies in place that encouraged the development of wind energy, we invested in the state, and now employ more than 170 full-time workers with, well-paying, family-supporting jobs.”
Michigan has the transportation infrastructure and manufacturing expertise to make Michigan a leader in the wind sector. The state is already on its way, with 33 active manufacturing facilities producing products for the wind industry, and up to 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector.
“Michigan state policies on renewable energy have been a catalyst in creating and sustaining businesses like Ventower,” said Wind on the Wires Executive Director Beth Soholt. “Renewable energy policy drives the development of renewable energy projects, which in turn provide an opportunity for supply chain businesses like Ventower to enter the market. That development cycle creates jobs and generates capital investment for the state and an increased tax base for communities that host the projects.” Total capital investment by the wind industry in Michigan is currently $2.9 billion, and land lease payments to landowners generate another $4.6 million every year.
“The partnership shown here between the city, the port, the community and the company – Ventower – is a perfect example of growing our local economy with local knowledge and local workers,” said Senator Dale Zorn.”
“Ventower is proof that good energy policy creates jobs in Michigan,” said Representative Bill LaVoy. “Raising Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard would send a signal that Michigan is a good place to do business and has the potential to increase employment opportunities.”
About Wind on the Wires
Wind on the Wires is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., which is comprised of wind developers, environmental organizations, tribal representatives, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups and businesses providing goods and services to the wind industry. Our mission is to overcome the barriers to bringing wind energy to market by addressing technical and regulatory issues, as well as through education and public outreach.
About Ventower
Ventower Industries is a full service fabricator and supplier of wind turbine towers. Focused on utility-scale original equipment manufacturers, the company offers many unique and competitive advantages for our customers. Ventower’s team of highly skilled and certified fabrication workers manufacture wind towers to the highest quality standards. Coupling this with the industry’s most technologically advanced fabrication equipment, the clean energy manufacturer insures best practice efficiencies and on-time deliveries. Ventower™ Industries is strategically located at the Port of Monroe, Michigan with direct dock access to Lake Erie. Using waterborne, rail and truck transport they are able to effectively serve projects throughout North America and beyond.