Orion adding 170 jobs, moving to Manitowoc

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (OESX) will expand its factory and move its headquarters to Manitowoc, in a move that would create 170 jobs, the governor's office announced today.

The $13 million investment would include $854,000 in community development zone tax credits, a statement from Gov. Jim Doyle said.

The new headquarters would include a technology management, demonstration and training center, near the current Orion facility in the former Mirro Corp. aluminum-pots-and-pans factory.

"Energy efficient lighting systems are a great way to conserve energy and decrease facility costs," Doyle said. "This expansion is not only good for Manitowoc, but it will also allow more energy-saving products to reach the market."

Orion Energy is currently based in Plymouth in Sheboygan County.

Neal Verfuerth, Orion president and chief executive, said the project and state aid "will further position Orion to aggressively grow our business, provide quality jobs and promote energy efficiency."

Orion announced this month that it projects its full-year sales of $101 million to $103 million in the fiscal year that ends in March 2009. That would mark sales growth of 25% to 28% from a year ago, the company said.

By Thomas Content

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel