Wind Energy

Schuff Steel Actively Pursuing Wind Tower Manufacturing

 "After researching the renewable energy business in general, and specifically wind energy, we are convinced that we are seeing the emergence of a new industry. Wind tower manufacturing appears to be very synergistic with our core business of steel fabrication and erection," said Dennis Randall, executive vice president of Schuff’s Midwest Division. "We also feel that this new venture would require construction of a dedicated plant in close proximity to wind turbines developing markets," he said.

After considering a number of sites, Schuff selected Bismarck, North Dakota as the location for the potential wind power plant. Plans would call for construction of a 200,000 sq ft facility on 70 acres, capable of producing hundreds of towers annually. Schuff anticipates potential employment levels of 250 to 300 people once at full capacity. While there are a number of significant issues yet to be resolved, including project financing and finalizing customer orders, Schuff hopes to begin construction of this facility sometime within the year.

"I was very impressed with the business-friendly attitude of the Bismarck Mandan Business Development folks, the accessibility and support demonstrated by State and local public officials and the excellent technical educational facilities supporting renewable energy manufacturing," said Randall.

Schuff’s proposed plant in North Dakota was recently selected as one of 133 projects eligible to receive a federal tax credit as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Section 48C Clean Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit. This benefit has helped Schuff to forge ahead with their development plans.

Schuff International, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: SHFK) and its family of steel companies is the largest steel fabrication and erection company in the United States. The 33-year old company executes projects throughout the country. Schuff offers integrated steel construction services from a single source.

Professional services include design-build, design-assist, engineering, BIM participation, 3D steel modeling/detailing, fabrication, advanced field erection, joist and joist girder manufacturing, project management, and single-source steel management systems. Major market segments include industrial, public works, bridges, health care, gaming and hospitality, convention centers, stadiums, mixed-use and retail, transportation, solar and other alternative energy projects and international projects.

Schuff International, Inc., which is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, owns and operates ten steel fabrication plants and two steel joist manufacturing plants. Companies include Schuff Steel Company located in AZ, NV and CA; Schuff Steel-Midwest Division located in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa, KS, Chicago, IL and Denver, CO; Schuff Steel-Gulf Coast, Inc., located in Houston, TX; Schuff Steel-Atlantic, Inc., located in Orlando, FL, Albany, GA and Atlanta, GA; Schuff Steel Management Company-Southwest, Inc., located in Gilbert, AZ; and Quincy Joist Company located in Quincy, FL and Buckeye, AZ. Schuff employs approximately 1,400 people throughout the country. 

www.schuff.com