Manitowoc wind factory to supply Caterpillar mining unit

From an article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Wind energy supply-chain factories in Manitowoc and Texas will start making equipment for mining equipment made by Caterpillar, Broadwind Energy Inc. said Tuesday.

The former Tower Tech factory in Manitowoc makes wind towers, including those recently erected in Columbia County for the We Energies Glacier Hills Wind Park.

"This collaboration fits well with our strategic initiatives to leverage our core competencies beyond the wind industry and diversify our revenue base. We believe this is the first step in expanding our relationship with Caterpillar as we continue to collaborate," said Paul Smith, president of Broadwind Towers, in a statement.

Under the deal with Caterpillar, Broadwind will supply the former Bucyrus International Inc. of South Milwaukee with welded sub-assemblies for large draglines, crawlers and excavating equipment.

The move is expected to add 50 jobs, spread between Manitowoc and Abilene, Texas, Broadwind said in a statement.