LANSING – Five small manufacturing companies will split $15.5 million in federal stimulus awards to help them develop green energy systems and parts manufacturing, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Wednesday.
The companies will make everything from tanks, to auto parts to boats, to manufacturing solar shingles, to wind turbines and windmills. The governor’s office contends the grants will create or retain 713 jobs.
“These are existing businesses moving into revolutionary new areas,” Granholm said, adding the state has invested $1 billion into the renewable and alternative energy sector.
The companies that won the grants were among 80 that submitted applications, said Stanley “Skip” Pruss, director of the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
“Clean tech is a space Michigan fits very well in,” Pruss said. “What you see here is the best in class.”
Grant went to:
Astraeus Wind Energy Inc. of Eaton Rapids will get $7 million to make wind turbine blades and hubs.
Energetx Companies LLC of Holland was awarded $3.5 million to manufacture large composite wind turbines.
Loc Performance Products Inc. of Plymouth won $1.5 million to make gears and gearboxes for utility windmills.
LUMA Resources LLC of Rochester Hills will get $500,000 to manufacture shingles for the residential solar market.
Merrill Technologies Group of Saginaw will receive $3 million to make large-scale wind turbine blades and other components.
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