German Renewable Energy Company Selects Delaware County for Its North American Headquarters

MUNCIE, IN  - Delaware County is establishing itself as a dynamic center for green, renewable and alternative energy innovation.  VAT-Energies, LLC and VAT-Service, LLC a wholly owned subsidiaries of VAT-Service Getriebetechnik in Germany announced today the company's plans to locate its North American corporate headquarters, service and manufacturing facilities near Yorktown in Delaware County.  The companies will invest $3.3 million to locate in an existing 60,000 SF facility in Park One Business Park, at the intersection of Interstate 69 and Indiana State Road 332. 
 
Initially, the marketing, installation, service and maintenance operations will locate in the existing building in Park One.  Additional local buildings as well as new construction will be considered for future operations to include design and manufacturing.  The plans call for creating 105 - 120 new jobs locally by 2011.  Later this year, the company will begin hiring engineers, service technicians, logistics managers and administrative staff members.
 
The announcement was made following the public opening of competitive bids received in response to the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission's request for quotations for a $1.5 million project including a vertical vane wind turbine and solar / wind powered street lights for Park One Business Park, plus renewable energy lighting units to be installed at other strategic locations in Delaware County.  VAT-Energies, LLC was the successful bidder for the publicly advertised project.
 
Oliver Viehweider, Managing Director of the VAT-Group of companies, stated, "We see, in the U.S. marketplace, great opportunity based on our expertise in wind technology and renewable lighting alternatives for both commercial and community applications.  The 20 years of expertise we bring from Europe has enabled the VAT-Group to succeed globally.  We anticipate the same success in the U.S. marketplace."
 
"This is an exciting announcement for Delaware County and East Central Indiana, and helps continue the region's leadership in green technology industries.  I would like to thank all of the people who played a role during the past months in bringing VAT-Energies, LLC and VAT-Service, LLC to Park One Business Park," said Terry Murphy, Vice President of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.  "The company's vertical vane wind turbines and solar / wind powered street lighting systems have been installed in Great Britain, Greece, Germany and in South Africa, at the World Cup Stadium in Cape Town.  The U.S. market offers tremendous potential for VAT products and service."
 
"Finding ways to be more energy independent has become increasingly necessary in today's world and I can't think of a better place than right here in Indiana to launch the newest developments in alternative energy," said Governor Mitch Daniels.  "We are celebrating today as another global leader in renewable energy innovation has chosen to plant its North American roots in our state."
 
Delaware County worked with the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance to develop incentives for the opportunity.  The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered VAT up to $1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans.
 
"We are excited about the opportunity to bring VAT to Delaware County.  Increasing the presence of alternative energy companies is a strong component of our community's economic development effort.  These are the type of high-paying, high-tech companies that we want to bring to Delaware County," said Todd Donati, President of the Delaware County Commissioners.
 
VAT is the second group of companies specializing in wind and renewable energy components production to select Delaware County, Indiana for its U.S. headquarters in the eight months.  Last fall, Brevini announced plans to locate its North American wind turbine gearbox manufacturing facilities in the Muncie area, creating 450 jobs and adding over $60 million in new capital investment.
 
VAT-Getriebetechnik established the companies along two separate business divisions.  VAT-Energies, LLC is an international manufacturer of vertical vane wind turbines and renewable energy powered lighting systems for municipalities and neighborhoods, while VAT-Service, LLC is a will provide maintenance and service for the wind turbine industry.
 
According to a report issued June 10 by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the number of clean air jobs in Indiana grew by nearly 18 percent between 1998 and 2007, ranking the state first in the Midwest in overall job growth in the clean energy economy.