Jun. 16, 2009 - ABC's "20/20" To Feature Windspire Wind Turbine, Manufactured in Manistee, in Special Episode June 19, 2009
Contact: Amy Berry
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ABC’S “20/20” TO FEATURE WINDSPIRE WIND TURBINE, MANUFACTURED IN MANISTEE,
IN SPECIAL JUNE 19, 2009 EPISODE
RENO, Nevada and MANISTEE, Michigan – When producers of ABC’s “20/20” television program began research for an episode about the impact of the economy, they looked for companies that were adapting old business models to achieve success. They found a perfect example in Manistee, Michigan, at the newly opened Windspire wind turbine (www.windspire.info) factory, a former auto parts automation facility run by MasTech Manufacturing that was retrofitted to produce Windspires after nearly closing operations due to the auto industry crisis.
The 30,000 square foot facility began operation in April 2009 with 30 new employees and will produce 100 Windspire wind turbines per month, with the number projected to grow to 1,000 Windspires a month and over 120 employees. Materials for the Windspire, such as steel and aluminum are supplied by Michigan companies. Mariah Power markets the Windspire to homeowners, businesses, local governments and institutions.
ABC’s “Nightline” anchor, Terry Moran, and the producers of “20/20” interviewed Mariah Power CEO Mike Hess and MasTech General Manager John Holcomb. Both discussed the emotional and financial benefits of putting former autoworkers back to work building the Windspire.
“Less than a year ago, I had to lay-off almost all of our workers because of the situation in the auto industry,” says Holcomb. “It was an amazing feeling to call some of them back in when Mariah Power agreed to produce Windspires here.”
“All of the skills and experiences we need to build the Windspire are right here in Manistee,” added Hess. “We worked with MasTech to change their business model from a focus on automotive to renewable energy, and are overjoyed that a news program like “20/20” is going to share our story of innovation and adaptation with the rest of the country.”
The Windspire is a 30-foot tall, propeller-free, vertical axis wind turbine designed for harnessing wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. It is the most affordable alternative energy appliance in the 1 kilowatt range, starting at $6,500 before installation and the federal small wind tax credit. The unit’s powerful, trim and sleek design enables it to blend in well with a variety of environments, making it an attractive alternative energy option for home owners, businesses and institutions. Windspire’s plug ‘n produce design connects directly to the power supply, offsetting electricity use and reducing energy costs.
Inclusion in the “20/20” program continues the Windspire wind turbine’s recent market momentum, which includes being installed on the season finale of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and being added to the California Energy Commission’s list of eligible wind turbines resulting in a $3,000 rebate in California, Nevada, Maryland, Arizona and other soon to be named states.
About Windspire
Windspire is a low-cost, low noise, attractive wind power appliance for use with residential, business and commercial buildings. Manufactured entirely in the U. S. by Mariah Power, Windspire is a 30-foot tall, propeller free, vertical-axis wind turbine designed for harnessing wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. Windspire’s patented technology maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. For more information, visit www.windspire.info