Ford Wixom plants to become $725M alt energy park

metromode, 9/17/2009

What was once a sign of the current contraction of the U.S. auto industry is about to become a symbol of Michigan's new economy.

Ford is selling its closed factory in Wixom (the big one that looms over I-96) to Xtreme Power and Clairvoyant Energy. The Texas and California-based firms plan to redevelop the massive complex into one of the nation's largest renewable energy manufacturing parks. That equals $725 million in investment and 4,000 new jobs.

"This is a giant step forward for Oakland County and the state as we become a global leader in renewable energy," Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said in a statement.

The 52-year-old facility will manufacture energy storage systems and high-efficiency solar panels at the site. That could mean a lot of alternative energy assembly because the 320-acre site has 4.7 million square feet of space.

The three companies have been working with local and state officials to come up with a redevelopment plan to make the deal a reality. These details are still being worked out.

Source: Ford and Oakland County
Writer: Jon Zemke

Alternative Energy , Energy , Investment , Manufacturing , Oakland County , Sustainability