Wind turbine maker adding 260 jobs in New Albany by 2012

The IBJ

California-based WindStream Technologies Inc. plans to locate a development and production facility at Purdue Research Park of Southeast Indiana, state officials said Monday morning. The move is expected to create more than 260 jobs by 2012.

The startup company manufactures small-scale wind turbines called TurboMills, designed to capture wind energy in urban settings.

Windstream plans to invest millions to establish operations at the Purdue Technology Center in New Albany, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said in a written release.

"WindStream Technologies represents yet another win for Indiana's growing renewable energy economy," Gov. Mitch Daniels said in the prepared statement.

The company plans to begin hiring assembly and distribution workers and professional staff as facility and equipment upgrades are made at the site.

The IEDC offered WindStream Technologies up to $1.5 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $84,500 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of New Albany will provide additional funding for facility improvements and equipment purchases.

WindStream's announcement comes two weeks after Kemper Foods announced it would invest more than $6.8 million to expand its food production facility in New Albany, creating more than 350 new jobs by 2012.