Plan to turn former Ford plant into 'green' manufacturing site advances

A plan by a green technology company to transform a former Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Michigan into a manufacturing plant took a big step forward last week as the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a $6.3-million tax credit for the project. Townsend Energy Solutions of Hunt Valley, Md. wants to use the space to manufacture energy-efficient products for fuel-efficient vehicles, smart-grid management applications, and power electronics. The $237-million project is expected to generate up to 875 new jobs over the next five years.
Dec. 21, 2011

A plan by a green technology company to transform a former Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Michigan into a manufacturing plant took a big step forward last week as the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a $6.3-million tax credit for the project.

Townsend Energy Solutions of Hunt Valley, Md. wants to use the space to manufacture energy-efficient products for fuel-efficient vehicles, smart-grid management applications, and power electronics. The $237-million project is expected to generate up to 875 new jobs over the next five years.

The board also granted two $10-million brownfield tax credits for the redevelopment of the 317-acre site. Plans call for part of the plant to be reused, and the rest to be demolished.

Click here to read more about the former Ford assembly plant. BD+C

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
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