Monroe, MI - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) joined today with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) at a groundbreaking for Ventower Industries’ 115,000-square foot wind tower manufacturing facility in Monroe, MI. During the event, the Congressman delivered the following remarks:
“This is a great day for the City of Monroe and the State of Michigan. We are seeing the fruits of labor from the intensive cooperative efforts at all levels of government”, said Dingell. “I want to particularly thank Governor Granholm, Mayor Clark and former Mayor Worrell for their administrations’ vigilance and commitment to making this project happen. But for their innovative resolve and aggressive efforts, we would not be here today.”
“This is also demonstrative of the great benefits and returns from the Recovery Act passed by Congress, or ARRA.” Ventower recently received a $2.5 million Department of Energy 48C advanced-energy manufacturing tax credit funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Michigan Delegation sent a letter to Secretary Chu supporting Ventower’s application. “Congress created ARRA to put Americans back to work, and Ventower proves it is doing just that. 150 new workers will plant the flag for a new growth industry, and we hope this will spur continued growth in this burgeoning sector.”
“We have reclaimed and remediated a Brownfield and restored it to productive use to create green jobs, for a green industry, right here in Michigan. Monroe County Community College will be training this workforce of the future, and this is just the start of a major transformation in this State, thanks to the visionary leadership of our great Governor.”
“This is a beacon call for anyone or any company searching for a forward looking-community to locate their business to. I think Mayor Clark would agree, they need look no further than Monroe. This is a community that is open for business, and the hardworking men and women of this state can compete with anyone in the world.”
Ventower competed for and was awarded over $8.5 million in federal assistance through the following sources:
· ARRA DOE 48C Advanced-Energy Tax Credit - $2.5 million
· EPA RLF Brownfield Loan – $2 million
· SBA 504 Loan - $4 million
Ventower is a full service fabricator and supplier of industrial scale, wind turbine towers. Focused on original equipment manufacturers, the company will provide high quality wind towers to its customers throughout the Great Lakes Region by using readily accessible waterborne, rail and truck transportation options. It is expected that the plant’s construction will be completed in approximately nine months. Ventower plans on building up to 250 towers per year and expects to employ approximately 150 people at full production.
