Menasha Packaging gets OK from Neenah for five turbines

From an article by in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

NEENAH — Menasha Packaging Co. has secured city approval to install five 20-kilowatt wind turbines outside its headquarters at 1645 Bergstrom Road.

The turbines would be the first in Neenah and would be similar to the four turbines installed at SCA Tissue's Service Excellence Center along U.S. 10 in the Town of Menasha.

April Mielke, Neenah's deputy director of community development and assessment, said the turbines would be highly visible to motorists on U.S. 41 and would serve as a daily reminder of sustainable practices.

"It shows that the city is committed to working with the business community to help companies become more energy conscious," Mielke said.

The Neenah Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for the project.

Morgan Wiswall, purchasing manager for Menasha Packaging, declined to discuss the project last week because the company had not yet committed to full funding.

Mielke said the turbines could be installed yet this year.

"You would see this move forward really quickly if it is approved (for funding)," she said.

The wind turbines, manufactured by Renewegy of Oshkosh, would generate electricity to support the power needs of Menasha Packaging. Mielke said the turbines are only one component of the company's efforts.