By Jessica Honigford
Community Post
MINSTER – Minster Machine Co. is in the midst of a three-phase process that will eventually create 140 new jobs.

Last month Minster Machine Co. received one of 16 tax credits given to companies across the state.  The 55 percent tax credit, valued at more than $690,000, would not only create new jobs but help the company retain its current 445 employees.
A representative from Minster Machine, spoke last week at the Minster Kiwanis meeting about the company's new division which will play host to some of the new jobs.
David Champagne, business manager of company's division Minster Wind, said the company is currently in the first phase of the process.
Minster Machine began looking into the wind energy industry over a year ago, according to Champagne.  About two months ago the company began machining castings for wind turbines.
“There were three phases to what we applied for,” Champagne said.  “The first was to be able to produce castings and do the machining for another wind turbine company so the tax incentives are for the hiring for those positions as well as a grant was to help offset the costs for a larger crane, and larger pouring capacity and possibly tooling to do the machining in the machine shop.  that one's active and we are spending money to get that done and we will be hiring shortly.”
Wind energy is the second fastest growing type of energy in the United States, second only to gas, yet it currently makes up less than 1 percent of total generation of electricity in the U.S.
With rising gas prices and a greater push for “green” energy wind generated power is expected to grow from just under 17,000 megawatts to more than 150,000 megawatts by 2020.
With the wind industry growing so rapidly, Minster Machine wants to get into the mix.  The company will use the second phase to expand revenue for the machine shop for non wind-related businesses and to hire more people in that division.  
“The third opportunity is for Minster (Machine) to become a manufacturer of the wind turbine itself,  the tooling associated with being able to start assembly as well as hiring,” Champagne said.
“We're trying to figure out if we can find a technology partner in the next six to nine months I would say and then it will be a ramp up from there and it will take several years to reach.”
The company will have three years to create the 140 jobs. The tax credit has a seven-year term and mandates that the company receiving the credit remain at its current location for the next 14 years, promoting job growth and retention in Ohio.