A regional network of manufactures aims to connect capable companies to the wind turbine supply chain. The West Michigan Wind Manufacturers Network (WMWMN) is composed of sixteen regional companies already working in wind energy. The manufactures have come together to help promote the regions capabilities in the alternative energy industry. The WMWMN has the potential to serve as a one-stop directory for turbine original equipment manufactures (OEMs) to find qualified suppliers. In turn, this should also help bring in low-cost leads and business for the suppliers, allowing them to focus on competitiveness and profit.
The network was formed after an analysis uncovered 800 West Michigan companies that had potential to manufacture wind energy components. The WMWMN will no doubt aim to network companies working the wind energy sector who might not otherwise know each other existed.
Because of the regions expansive manufacturing expertise and the thousands of parts in just one wind turbine, West Michigan can enter the market quickly; building off existing capabilities. The region also has another advantage, experience with integrated systems. This gives the turbine OEMs the opportunity to consolidate their supply chain by purchasing from as few vendors as possible; a process the manufacturers are accustomed to from the automotive and office furniture industries.
Though the wind energy industry shows great promise, the current demand may not be as impressive as one may think. Policies, government actions and incentives have given the industry some wind behind its sail; but the potential for the industry is considerably lower then estimates so far. As demand in America increases it only makes sense that the components, with their shear size and shipping cost, come from local facilities.