Senator Baucus Announces Boost to Montana Wind Energy, Manufacturing Industry

Senator Touts Partnership to Boost Montana Manufacturing of Wind Energy Components

Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus announced today a partnership between the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and a national clean energy alliance to boost jobs in Montana’s wind energy sector.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) awarded a grant to the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation’s Clean Energy Manufacturing Center, which will work in partnership with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center in Bozeman to expand the supply chain in Montana’s wind energy sector.

"This is a great step toward boosting wind energy opportunities and good-paying jobs in Montana. The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center will help us secure a strong position in developing a robust manufacturing infrastructure while creating a well-trained and prepared workforce," said Baucus. "I look forward to working together with folks on all levels to see new support for wind energy job opportunities for Montanans."

Director of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Steve Holland, said the grant will open the door to new opportunities for Montanans. "Energy development is very important to Montana’s economic future," said Holland. "The capacity to manufacture components and equipment that produce energy can play a key role in this economic future. This grant will help Montana manufacturers participate in the wind energy and wind turbine industries."

The project is one of 22 nationwide projects supported by NIST-MEP and aimed at enhancing the productivity, technological performance and global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in renewable energy industries.

The BlueGreen Alliance Foundation’s partnership with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center in Bozeman – as well as the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), United Steelworkers (USW), the Global Wind Network (GLWN) and the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), will help to accelerate the development of domestic supply chains for the wind energy industry.

The award will in part fund a series of services designed to provide manufacturers with opportunities to become effective, qualified suppliers in manufacturing components for the wind energy industry.

"Montana has a unique opportunity to help lead the way toward good-paying jobs in clean energy. Similarly, our country has an opportunity to create millions of good jobs in clean energy, but we have to act now to seize it," said David Foster, president of the BlueGreen Alliance Foundation.

The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center has five field offices across the state and provides manufacturing outreach and assistance to businesses including a wide range of consultation from design and product development to business management.

In September, Baucus hosted wind industry leaders at his Economic Development Summit in Butte, Montana for a series of discussions on generation, transmission and manufacturing that focused on building Montana’s wind industry. MMEC’s director, Steve Holland also participated in Baucus’ successful jobs summit by leading a panel discussion on developing trade resources for Montana businesses with the aim of boosting exports.

Contact: Kathy Weber (406) 657-5915/Jennifer Donohue (202) 224-2651 (Baucus)