Rochester, Warren firms share $5M in state alternative energy grants

Two Metro Detroit companies are taking large chunks of $20 million in loans and grants to push forward growth in the emerging clean energy industry.

Rochester-based URV USA and KC Jones Plating Co of Warren received $4.3 million of the $20 million pie paid for by the federal stimulus package. That money will be utilized to develop parts for wind turbines.

URV USA, a subsidiary of Finland-based Uudenkaupungin Rautavalimo Oy, will use its $4 million ($3.5 million in grants and $500,000 in loans) to manufacture the next generation of metal cast, utility scale wind energy system turbine bed plates and hub components. The company will build a foundry in Eaton Rapids that will employ 100-150 people when it opens in January of 2012. It will also establish its headquarters that currently employs three people but will get up to 7-10 employees within a year.

"We're in the process of creating a corporate office here in Oakland County," says Blaire Miller, CFO of URV USA.

KC Jones Plating Co has $300,000 split evenly between loans and grants. It will develop the next generation of surface finishing technology for wind turbine components to improve the metal parts' resistance to corrosion and wear.

The funding allows small, Michigan-based businesses to diversify into advanced manufacturing of renewable energy systems and components that will boost the state's economy, create jobs, and reduce its reliance on imported energy.

Source: State of Michigan and Blaire Miller, CFO of URV USA
Writer: Jon Zemke

Rochester, Warren firms share $5M in state alternative energy grants

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