The Michigan Wind Energy Task Force last week released several opportunities for Michigan manufacturers looking to get into the wind energy business.

First, a small wind turbine representative, SkyStream, is interested in sourcing towers and bolting systems to Michigan manufacturing firms for his local installations. For more information contact Garth Ward at Michigan Wind Power, (231) 645-4479 or Garth@michiganwindpower.net.

Also, a Michigan wind turbine company is looking for venture partners. For more information, contact Karl Morgan Kaufman, founder of 21st Century Green Solutions, LLC, 1180 Hollyhock Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48439, (810) 241-5240 or
karl.kaufman@sbcglobal.net, or www.21stCenturyGreenSolutions.com.

Also, composites experts at Michigan State Univeristy have developed a unique composites fabrication process that can potentially allow for a lighter weight, more durable wind blade. They have developed a multi-layer construction that increases the strength from layer to layer so they don’t delaminate, as well as a sophisticated test center for composite structures. For more information, contact Alfred Loos or Dahsin Liu at MSU, 2244 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, (517) 353-6716 or 432-0844, liu@egr.msu.edu or aloos@egr.msu.edu.

Also, Naperville, Ill.-based Broadwind Energy Inc. has entered into agreements to raise $100 million through the direct sale of common stock to investment funds managed by Tontine Associates LLC. In addition, Broadwind has entered a non-binding letter of intent with a strategic partner for additional financing. Lars Moller, Broadwind's COO, said the company intends to continue expanding its component manufacturing and service offerings through additional locations and complementary acquisitions. For more information, contact Moller at (630) 637-0315 or lars@broadwindenergy.com

Finally, Alternity Wind Power, an affiliate of The Conti Group of South Plainfield, N.J., is exploring the Michigan wind market and is reaching out to potential partners in Michigan. Alternity Wind Power participates in the wind power industry as a late stage integrated developer and self-performing builder of utility-scale wind projects in North America. Alternity Wind Power partners with early stage wind power developers and provides them with the financial, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning expertise they need to get their projects up and running. Alternity Wind Power is actively looking for partners in the Michigan market to develop wind projects. For more information, visit www.alternitywindpower.com or contact Anthony Blommel, project manager, Alternity Wind Power, One Cragwood Road, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, or  (908) 791-4837.