TriTec Wind Towers
TriTec of Minnesota is working toward a greener future through renewable energy resources by building towers for wind turbines. Wind towers will soon be constructed in the new facilities at TriTec.
In the summer of 2008, TriTec started running 24/7 and has continued to operate around the clock, despite the slow economy. The work force has increased to about 50 employees, with about 40 new jobs to be added within the next year. TriTec will continue current operations, such as building large stacks for companies like Mesabi Nugget, as well as entering into new avenues, such as wind power.
Looking toward the upcoming needs of the power industry, TriTec is preparing to join the effort to harness wind energy. Within the next year, TriTec will be ready to start producing the steel towers to support wind turbines, which are increasing in demand due to the federal renewable energy mandate. With only about 38 manufactures of wind towers worldwide, the power industry will need more wind tower manufacturers to reach with the goal of 25% renweable energy sources by 2025.
TriTec has been approached by two turbine manufacturers to become their exclusive wind tower supplier. Some of these wind towers may end up close to home, since the city of Mountain Iron, MN is planning on building a wind farm, similar to the wind farm at the Taconite Ridge north of Virginia, MN.
The purchase price for one 240 ft. tower is at least $350,000 and TriTec will be building about 125 of the towers each year, increasing sales revenue from about $8 million to over $40 million. This will be a big step for TriTec, nearly doubling the staff, and adding larger capacity facilities on site.
"I've always said, 'Dream big,' and I believe that." — Mitch Robertson