LANSING – Two alternative energy companies want to buy a closed Ford Motor Co. factory in southeast Michigan and convert it into a renewable energy park that could employ at least 2,800 workers within five years.
The $725 million project involves Xtreme Power of Kyle, Texas, and Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, Calif., which are looking to purchase the sprawling Wixom Assembly Plant if state tax incentives and federal loans are approved. The tax credits were approved Wednesday by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority
Xtreme could hire 2,500 workers between late 2011 and 2014, with the potential to create another 10,000 supplier-related jobs – 1,500 at or near the plant. Clairvoyant could hire 300 employees.
Xtreme makes energy storage systems for utilities, wind farms and large manufacturers. Clairvoyant builds rooftop solar power stations. The officials said the companies would refurbish the Wixom plant, which closed in 2007 after churning out cars for 50 years. Half the space would be used to make the companies’ own products; the rest would be leased to suppliers and other renewable energy companies.
Xtreme and Clairvoyant face a Sept. 14 deadline to apply for federal loans for renewable energy projects.
a>>
