Franklin Wind Energy Group signs first distributor deal

The Franklin Wind Energy Group recently took a major step forward, signing its first distribution contract with Power Distribution Center.Power Distribution Center deals primarily with solar products, but had fielded a number of requests for wind-power generators from its customers. David Koyle, president and founder of Franklin Wind Energy Group, expects this will be the first of many such contracts that will enable the Franklin-based firm to begin selling wind turbines this fall.”We are intending to ramp up quickly,” Koyle says.Franklin Wind Energy Group recently acquired the U.S. rights to manufacture and market a 30-foot tall vertical axis wind turbine. The plan is to install these across the state on buildings, in farm fields, and even on cell phone towers. The firm installed its first Franklin wind turbine at Wayne State University’s campus earlier this summer.The alternative-energy firm now employs 15 people, 10 independent contractors, and is looking at bringing in summer interns. All of this growth came this year as the company began to aggressively market its product. The 5kW Franklin Vertical Axis Wind Turbine can take wind from any direction, operates at low RPM with no vibration, and emits little noiseSource: David Koyle, president of Franklin Wind Energy GroupWriter: Jon Zemke