NEW FLORIDA JOBS IN WIND

Wind energy plant to bring 215 jobs; Gainesville factory to build gearboxes for turbine systems
David Markiewicz, April 24, 2010 (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

"A German company plans to build a wind energy plant and bring 215 new jobs to Gainesville.

"ZF Group, an automotive industry supplier…will make wind turbine gearboxes for systems that convert wind energy into electricity. The company will invest $90 million in the project."

Add one for Florida (click to enlarge)

"It was the third job-creation announcement in three days…Arkansas frozen baked goods maker De Wafelbakkers… will take over an abandoned bakery in Henry County and hire 242 workers…General Electric will create 400 new jobs in Cobb County when it opens its futuristic Smart Grid Center of Excellence…That’s 857 jobs in three days.

"…[T]he wind energy plant…will be built in the Gainesville Business Park, near an existing ZF facility that makes axle drives and transmissions for passenger vehicles and heavy construction equipment…"

Tens of thousands of plants like this one will come as wind moves toward its goal of providing 20% of U.S. power by 2030. (click to enlarge)

"Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, with the plant to open in February 2011. Production is set to start January 2012…The company will receive economic incentives for the project including tax credits, as well as free, customized employee training assistance from the Quick Start program…"

[Elizabeth Umberson, executive, ZF:] “There is a heightened global focus on renewable energy production, and we believe there is an opportunity to leverage our automotive driveline and chassis technology leadership in this exciting and growing alternative energy sector…”