27 August 2009

Alternative energy companies vie for closed Ford plant

Sometimes when one business goes away, a new opportunity presents itself. That could be the case with a closed Ford Motor Co. plant in Michigan as two alternative energy companies want to buy the factory and convert it into a renewable energy park that could employ at least 2,800 workers within five years.

Xtreme Power of Kyle, Tex., and Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, Calif., are looking to purchase the sprawling Wixom Assembly Plant if the government approves state tax incentives and federal loans. The facility would be a $725 million project, officials said.

Xtreme could hire 2,500 workers between late 2011 and 2014, with the potential to create another 10,000 supplier-related jobs. Clairvoyant could hire 300 employees.

Xtreme makes energy storage systems for utilities, wind farms, and large manufacturers. Clairvoyant builds rooftop solar power stations. The officials said the companies would refurbish the Wixom plant, which closed in 2007. The companies would use half the space to make their products, and the rest would lease out to suppliers and other renewable energy companies.

An Xtreme spokesperson would only confirm the company’s interest in the park, but would not discuss details. Clairvoyant was not immediately available for comment.

Xtreme and Clairvoyant face a 14 September deadline to apply for federal loans for renewable energy projects. But the officials said before the companies submit their applications, Michigan must approve $100 million in refundable tax credits for advanced battery production and a $25 million tax break for solar-based manufacturing.

For related information, go to www.isa.org/productivity.