Milbank Expands into Wind Turbines

The new PowerGen division of Milbank Manufacturing Co., Kansas City, Mo., has teamed up with Endurance Wind Power, Vancouver, B.C., to build a dealer/installer network of certified electrical contractors. The companies are looking for contractors who want to tap into new business opportunities now available in the installation of 5kW, 35kW and 50kW wind turbines for the residential and light commercial markets.

To be certified as Milbank dealers, contractors must attend two training courses on selling and installing turbines, purchase two turbines, and install one of them as a demonstration unit at their place of business (unless prohibited by local ordinances). Milbank says the retail prices for the turbines are set by Endurance WindPower and cannot be changed, and that although dealers will make some margin on the turbines, most of their margin will come from materials and labor needed for the installations.

Lavon Winkler, Milbank's CEO and president, said in a press release that Milbank had been researching the wind industry for the past several years to find the right business partner and he believes Endurance WindPower is a good fit.

Chris Nicholson, general manager for Milbank's Power Generation Products, said in a press statement that the PowerGen product line offers the electrical channel “an exciting growth opportunity, given our ‘new’ economy.” The PowerGen unit also markets Milbank's Home Standby Generators (through a partnership with Briggs & Stratton) and may eventually include solar product offerings.