Owens to Provide Green Energy Training to Six Companies
PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Six Northwest Ohio companies have been selected to receive nearly one million in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Department’s Energizing Careers Program to assist in training workers in advanced energy technologies. As part of collaboration, Owens Community College will provide the educational training for the local businesses.
The program is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Sector Partnership Training program, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The Ohio Department of Development’s Workforce and Talent Division administers the Energizing Careers Program to assist companies that are manufacturing components for the wind, solar and biomass industries. The program reimburses the cost of training up to $6,000 for full-time employees. Preferential project funding is given to companies located in 44 Ohio counties impacted by the restructuring of the automotive industry, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.
“The future of our economy is advanced energy manufacturing and our workforce must keep up with the demands of the marketplace,” said Christiane Schmenk, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These training dollars will benefit incumbent workers, as well as allow new employees to be hired.”
“Owens Community College is pleased to collaborate with Northwest Ohio business and industry and provide leading edge training, enabling our region to remain competitive in today’s ever-changing global economy,” said Dr. Michael Bankey, Owens Vice President of Workforce and Community Services.
Area companies receiving funding as part of the Energizing Careers Program are AP Alternatives LLC of Ridgeville Corners ($210,000 grant) (20 new and 15 incumbent trainees), Applied Energy Technologies Inc. of Maumee ($180,000) (35 new trainees), ARGO-HYTOS Inc. of Bowling Green ($100,200) (two new and 17 incumbent trainees), Marathon Special Products of Bowling Green ($250,600) (120 incumbent trainees), Pro-Pak Industries of Maumee ($156,000) (three new and 23 incumbent trainees) and TecnoSunSolar USA of Toledo (12 new and one incumbent trainees).
AP Alternatives is a start-up company owned by the David Von Deylen family, who also owns Alex Products Inc. AP Alternatives purchases products from Alex Products, which are in turn used to assemble and install solar mounting systems. The current product lines include modular solar racking with automated installation equipment and commercial seating systems. Applied Energy Technologies is a leading global provider of solar mounting systems. The organization designs, engineers and manufacturers solar mounting solutions for all types of solar installation. ARGO-HYTOS designs customized manifolds, valve assemblies and power racks, as well as filtration solutions and hydraulic-tank solutions to meet the specific needs of customers in the wind energy market.
Marathon Special Products is a manufacturing company that designs and produces electrical wiring devices. Currently, the company is working on numerous solar power integration components, wind power connections and wind circuit devices. Pro-Pak Industries has expanded its operations to serve as an alternative energy supplier to First Solar Inc. and Willard & Kelsey Solar Group LLC. The company is partnering with these manufacturers on the design, manufacturing and assembly of packaging.
TecnoSunSolar USA produces solutions for modern energy opportunities, such as the patented Dual Axis Tracker designed to precisely follow the movement of the sun in order to maximize solar panel output. TecnoSunSolar’s intelligent control system collects real-time atmospheric data to optimize operating efficiency while re-positioning trackers and solar modules during severe weather conditions.
In addition to the new business partnerships, Owens is collaborating with First Solar Inc. of Perrysburg, Dow Chemical Company of Findlay and Willard & Kelsey Solar Group LLC of Perrysburg on educational training from recent Energizing Careers Program grants. The three companies received a total of more than $1.8 million in Ohio Department of Development grants in 2010.
Working with partners across business, state and local governments, academia and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is necessary for success by providing financial, informational and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.
Press Release Contact Name: Brad Meyer
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Owens Community College