Spanish firm to build wind manufacturing plant in Wisconsin By Chris Madison (AWEA)

Under Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin had adopted an aggressive strategy to generate more of its electricity using wind power and other renewables. At the same time, the state has been urging wind manufacturers to locate in the state.

While anti-wind types charge that the Recovery Act is being used to send jobs overseas, Wisconsin is using Recovery Act funds to help finance a new wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in the state.

According to news reports, the Energy Composites Corp. (ECC) is using Recovery Act funds as part of the financing for a new wind blade manufacturing plant in Wisconsin Rapids. The plant will employ more than 600 people.

The financing is drawing on the Recovery Zone Bond program, part of the Recovery Act passed by Congress last year to stimulate the economy.

The plant will manufacture wind turbine blades for both onshore and offshore wind energy facilities.

By Chris Madison

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