MONROE – Michigan state legislators, officials from the Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE) and advanced energy businesses toured Ventower Industries on Monday, August 29. The Monroe-area steel fabricator currently specializes in utility-scale wind turbine tower solutions. The company started in 2008, and since then has grown to over 150 employees. The tour highlighted the full process of manufacturing the towers for wind turbines. The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), a business trade association representing companies in Michigan’s growing advanced energy sector, organized the tour.

“We’re excited to host businesses from Michigan EIBC, our own state legislators and the executive director of MAE to see the work we are doing,” said Scott Viciana, VP for Sales and Business Development at Ventower Industries. “We located in Monroe 8 years ago because of the Renewable Portfolio Standard in Michigan. The legislature sending the right policy signals enables us to expand our facility, to employ local workers and to construct Michigan towers and towers across the globe.”

The tour included State Senator Dale Zorn (R-Ida), State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) and Valerie Brader Executive Director for the Michigan Agency for Energy as well as Michigan EIBC member businesses.

“Every time I visit Ventower, I see more signs of progress and job growth,” said Zorn. “Ventower is helping to diversify our industry in this area and the jobs they are creating are a welcome addition to the region.”

“Ventower plays a valuable role in supporting Michigan’s energy mix,” said LaVoy. “Knowing their quality of work and the quality jobs they provide right here in Monroe makes me confident they will play a major role in serving Michigan’s future energy needs.”

Also in attendance were members of Michigan EIBC, including Chart House Energy, Michigan Solar Solutions and ArborWind representing many segments of the advanced energy industry.

“Ventower Industries demonstrates the proven track record of the Renewable Portfolio Standard in Michigan – ratepayer protection by adding low-cost, no fuel wind to a diverse portfolio,” said Michigan EIBC President Liesl Clark. “The RPS allowed Michigan to unleash entrepreneurship and innovation in the advanced energy industry.”