Winding up for Wind: New Energy Project Brings 358 Jobs To Eaton Rapids

Dowding Industries will step into alternative energy ventures with the construction of a new wind component manufacturing facility in Eaton Rapids, bringing 358 jobs to the area. 

The Eaton Rapids project was undertaken through Dowding Machine, part of Dowding Industries, which will turn its attention to the burgeoning alternative energy field by machining the transmission housings, components and platforms used in wind turbines. Dowding Industries is already known for welded assembly, metal fabrications and die stampings.

Of the 358 jobs expected, the company will create 200 and the remaining 138 jobs are forecasted indirect jobs that will be created by surrounding businesses as a result of Dowding's investment.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) gave Dowding a state tax credit valued at more than $1.5 million over two years for the project. Over the life of the tax credit, Dowding Machining is expected to generate more than $107 million in personal income for Michigan workers.

"The City of Eaton Rapids is excited about the decision of Dowding Industries to expand in town rather than move out-of-state," said Eaton Rapids Mayor Jamie Davidson. "It proves that all the right resources are here in Michigan for tomorrow's high-tech industry. It just takes the coordination of city officials, our state legislature, MEDC and in this case, Dowding Industries, to pull it off."

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy or electricity, using a naturally occurring instance to create alternative energy. Wind turbines are usually constructed in large groups on wind farms. These farms are placed in windy areas, such as the “thumb area” of northeast lower Michigan, allowing for maximum wind capture.



Ivy Hughes is the development news editor for Capital Gains. She can be reached at ivy@capitalgainsmedia.com.


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