Published: November 25, 2008 07:00 pm      

MasTech seals deal with energy company

MANISTEE -- A local manufacturer reached a multi-year agreement to produce a wind generator developed by an alternative energy company in Nevada.

MasTech Manufacturing in Manistee inked a five-year pact with Mariah Power of Reno, Nev., to begin volume production and distribution of Mariah's "Windspire," a 30-foot-tall vertical wind turbine that can generate about 2,000 kilowatt hours per year for residential and small commercial applications.

Officials said the first units are expected to be produced by March and production of 1,000 units per month is planned. The work is expected to generate 41 new jobs at MasTech and up to 116 new positions by the end of 2011.

"Michigan has a legacy of making quality products out of steel, and in MasTech we found something more: a company with unparalleled expertise in automation and diversification," said Mike Hess, CEO of Mariah Power.

The companies also plans to introduce new products next year, including a low-wind unit that generates power in 10 mph average winds, and a more powerful unit that can provide up to 100 percent of energy to an average-size home.