by jboullion | Aug 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by in the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
Energy Composites Corp. had an 18.1 percent increase in revenue during the second quarter from the same period in 2008, the Wisconsin Rapids-based company announced today.
Despite the increase and a 7.5 percent increase in gross profit, the manufacturer had a net loss of $579,781, about 45 percent higher than the second quarter of 2008, according to the company’s quarterly financial results.
Company leaders attributed the loss to continued investments in its planned 350,000-square-foot manufacturing plant it expects to build in the Rapids East Commerce Center. Announced March 31, the new plant will construct industrial wind-turbine blades and create more than 400 local jobs.
Energy Composites Chief Executive Officer Sam Fairchild said the company also continues to diversify its product line and soon will have several significant contractual and personnel announcements as a result of those efforts.
by jboullion | Aug 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Wisconsin Renewable Quarterly includes these article in the summer edition:
It’s Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home
In Memoriam: Bob Gilbertson
Board Member Brings Green Home
Renewables Profile: Jenny Heinzen
Manure Digesters Good Fit
Solar Innovator: Craig Tarr
Calendar
by jboullion | Aug 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an Associated Press article by Dan Strumpf and Ken Thomas in The Capital Times:
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is developing plans to wind down the popular Cash for Clunkers program and could announce by Friday when the incentives will no longer be available.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday the department would announce within 48 hours how it intends to discontinue the program that offers car buyers rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient models. Department officials met with car dealer trade groups on Wednesday to discuss how the program will eventually end and respond to complaints over a backlog of rebate payments to dealers.
Through early Wednesday, auto dealers have made deals worth $1.81 billion and are on pace to exhaust the program’s $3 billion in funds in early September. The incentives have generated more than 435,000 vehicle sales but dealers want a clear plan on when the rebates will no longer be available so they don’t end up on the hook for any of the incentives.
“We want to make sure that dealers know when we’re getting close” to running out of the money that was allocated for the program, LaHood told reporters. LaHood said he recognized that “dealers are frustrated. They’re going to get their money.”
by jboullion | Aug 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
The Wisconsin Machine Tool Show (WMTS) features an Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion to introduce show participants to energy efficient, lean, green, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The American Wind Energy Association will have a presentation on the wind industry supply chain.
Dave Jenkins from the Office of Energy Independence will update show attendees on ARRA programs and funds.
The German-American Chamber of Commerce will make two presentations:
+ Energy Efficiency in Germany: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Benefit;
+ Supply Chain Opportunities in Renewable Energy.
Focus on Energy will be the Gold Sponsor of the Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Pavilion. They plan to make a presentation each day of the show:
+ Controlling your Energy Costs – An overview of Focus on Energy;
+ A Case Study on Energy Efficiency;
+ Save Energy, Save Money – Getting started with energy self-assessments for small-mid size industrial facilities.
MATC’s Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing and RENEW are also sponsors.
by jboullion | Aug 17, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by the Department of Workforce Development:
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On behalf of Governor Jim Doyle, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today awarded a $100,000 workforce training grant to prepare the first of 400 workers for green jobs when a new Wisconsin Rapids business starts manufacturing wind turbine blades. . . .
The $100,000 grant awarded to the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will be matched by more than $60,000 locally. Among the goals of the Renewable Electric Power project is to train 35 individuals, including dislocated workers, for the first openings at the Energy Composites Corporation. Earlier this year, the firm announced its plans to construct of a 350,000-square-foot, composites fabrication plant to manufacture wind turbine blades.
As part of the project, Mid-State Technical College is creating a 12-credit Composite Certificate, intensive , short-term, customized training in turbine blade fabrication. The 35 trainees are to complete six-months of instruction in June, allowing others to enter the pipeline for employment opportunities at the plant. In the process, the project will develop a green job career pathway for the emerging renewable energy sector in the north central region.
“This is our future,” Secretary Gassman said, “seizing green opportunities that will create good jobs for our citizens and fuel economic growth in the emerging industries of renewable energy, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.”
