| Moventas lands $25,000 for staff training |
By: Corey Butler Jr.
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Posted: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12:39 am
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cbutler@faribault.com
FARIBAULT — Step by step, the reality of Moventas opening its doors in Rice County is drawing nearer.
Another step was taken Tuesday when the Rice County Board of Commissioners approved a grant agreement with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for $25,000.
The money will be used to offset costs for initial staff development for Moventas, the Finland-based company that is a leading supplier of wind turbine gears. The company announced in September it would build its first North American manufacturing plant on land just north of Faribault, a deal that would initially create about 90 jobs.
Deanna Kuennen, county director of economic development, said SMIF was a partner in bringing Moventas to the county and had representatives at multiple site visits.
While $25,000 carries its weight, Moventas is expected to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for staff development, Kuennen said.
Under the terms of the grant agreement approved Tuesday by the commissioners, the county is committing to a number of things, including that the funds will be used only for the purposes outlined in the grant application — travel and training.
Carol Cerney, chief operating officer for SMIF, said the Moventas deal shows the power of regionalism.
“It underscores our belief that we all need to work together to make these things happen,” she said.
Cerney said she’s eager to see the economic development Moventas can bring to southern Minnesota and the jobs it can provide in the growing industry of wind energy.
“Wind energy is here today,” she said. “The crying shame related to this whole new industry is we haven’t capitalized on it the way we should.
“We think this is a real breakthrough opportunity and are proud to be a part of it.”
— Staff writer Corey Butler Jr. may be reached at 333-3135.
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