LANSING – The headline projects of the state’s push to build its renewable energy economic platform came close to realization Tuesday, when the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved grants to convert the former Wixom automotive plant into the largest renewable energy corporate complex in the country.
MEGA also approved grants for the development of a major photovoltaic company in Saginaw County’s Thomas Township which will put the Suniva Incorporated plant close to a corporate development by Hemlock Semiconductor. Those companies, along with others in the state, would help make Michigan a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic sensors.
The three companies, Clairvoyant Energy Solar Power Manufacturing Incorporated and Xtreme Power Incorporated in Wixom along with Suniva, chose to invest in what has become Michigan’s “new sweet spot,” Governor Jennifer Granholm said at a news conference, that being development in alternative energy.
The state was able to beat out other states such as Texas and Georgia to win the developments. In what is something of a sweet irony for Granholm, Suniva was founded in Georgia, where it now has a manufacturing plant, with technology that was developed by Georgia Technological University.
John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva, said he “loved the enthusiasm for solar energy in Michigan.”
Greg Main, president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said of the announcements, “The hits just keep on coming.” The projects are a “terrific example” of what the state can do when it sets a clear strategy for development.
The Wixom projects have a been major state focus for several months, with the Legislature moving with dispatch to pass needed legislation to allow for credits granted by MEGA. One of those credits was contained in SB 777 , PA 110, which Granholm signed Tuesday morning before the MEGA board met.
The two projects will allow for the redevelopment of the former massive Ford Motor Company production plant along I-96 in Oakland County. The plant was shuttered as part of a cost-saving move by Ford.
Clairvoyant CEO David Hardee said his company and Xtreme will develop cutting-edge technology in renewable energy that will allow for “things in five years we would have no idea would exist today.”
Clairvoyant received a $25 million Michigan Business Tax credit over two years, while the bill signed by Granholm would grant Xtreme a $100 million credit over four years.
Clairvoyant will invest $857 million in four stages in the Wixom plant, with plans to employ more than 700 workers. Xtreme plans to invest $475 million and eventually employ more than 2,500 workers in Wixom.
Suniva will receive a $15 million credit stretched out across five years. The firm plans to invest $250 million and will employ some 500 workers. However, to complete its project, Suniva will still need a Department of Energy loan guarantee.
Granholm said the transformation of the former Wixom auto plant, which totals more than 4.7 million square feet, into an new energy center was an important symbol for what the state is attempting to accomplish with its economic restructuring.
This story was provided by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on Gongwer.Com
a>>
