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Area manufacturers  get help going green

Seminar will offer real-life examples on how to break into the alternative energy market.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer 1:56 AM Thursday, May 21, 2009

FAIRFIELD TWP. —A new seminar will teach area manufacturers how to make green by going green, even in today’s economy.

The Southwest Ohio Manufacturers’ Consortium — originally created to help provide qualified workers for local manufacturing jobs — is now offering help by showing manufacturers how to break into the alternative energy market.

The seminar, Seeking a Green Advantage: Entering Alternative Energy Supply Chains, will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 at the D. Russel Lee Building at Butler Tech, 3603 Hamilton-Middletown Road in Fairfield Twp.

“This area has a long history in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, and really that is very similar to wind turbine and solar manufacturing,” said Chris Xeil Lyons, economic development specialist for the city of Hamilton and a consortium representative. “The key is knowing what they make and how they can switch to making even small components for alternative energy sources just by making small tweaks.”

Featured speaker Loch McCabe, founder of Shepherd Advisors, will discuss “Positioning Your Firm for Alternative Energy Component Manufacturing Success.” He specializes in strategic positioning and supply chain development for companies in the green energy sector.

The seminar will provide real-life examples, such as one involving Kevin Puccini. His company, Connector Manufacturing in Hamilton, manufactures brackets for utility polls. Through a partnership with Suzlon Energy, the company is now also making small components for wind turbines. Puccini and Dan Wildermuth of Suzlon will be speaking at the seminar.

There are resources available for manufacturers looking to build up their green business. Quentin Harris with the Ohio Department of Development will discuss state funding options.

The event is open to all business leaders across the region. Cost is $35 to attend if you register before Saturday, May 23, and $50 after that. Sign-up and receive more information online at www.greenadvantage.eventbrite.com.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.

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