Fuhrländer Wind Turbine Manufacturing Plant
Fuhrländer AG of Germany announced they will build a manufacturing plant in Butte to produce 2.5 MW wind turbines. The initial phase would employ 150 people, and the plant could create an additional 600 jobs if they decide to expand and build 150 foot blades at the site. Fuhrländer executives traveled to Montana in May of 2010 where they reiterated their commitment to constructing a Butte turbine assembly plant conditioned on the company obtaining sufficient orders for turbines.
Exergy Wind Turbine Manufacturing
Incorporated in 2010, Exergy Integrated Systems (EIS) is a subsidiary of Exergy Development Group, one of the largest independent renewable energy development companies in North America. They are looking to enter the turbine manufacturing market in the 100 kW to 1 MW range, providing turbines for distributed generation with a community orientation including local ownership. The design is currently undergoing intensive computer analysis. It is a vertical-axis turbine with integrated storage capabilities. Advantages include the gear box located at ground level, greater social acceptance due to its aesthetic similarities to grain silos and being avian / bat friendly. Their plans include development of a Montana manufacturing facility. A site location has not been determined other than a preference for locating in the Great Falls/Cascade County area.
