Area Development
URV USA, a Finnish company based in Sweden, is expanding in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The company, which will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on next-generation casting processes for wind turbines, will create 276 jobs by 2014 and quadruple its existing size.

"By producing these advanced process castings, URV USA can fill the void in domestic wind energy system component production critical for high volume, very high speed machining processes, as well as promote job creation and clean energy infrastructure development," said Pekka Kemppainen, URV managing director. "With our new technology, URV USA will have a clear cost advantage in supplying hub and bedplate castings compared to traditional foundries."

The state of Michigan has already approved a Centers of Energy Excellence designation and $3.5 million in funds for URV USA. It will also receive $4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The expansion will result in a foundry that has a capacity of 80,000 metric tons.