M-WERC: Welcomes 8 new members

Contact: Joshua Morby
414.791.9120
jmorby@m-werc.org

All eight organizations ‘closely aligned’ with M-WERC, in time for
Energy Storage Conference June 12-13 in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – The Midwest Energy Research Consortium is pleased to expand its scope by welcoming eight new members to its Energy, Policy, and Controls association. M-WERC continues to rapidly expand its charter, membership, and geographic scope with the addition of Clarke Energy, Faith Technologies, GDS Associates, Generac Power Systems, Gross Automation, Madison Area Technical College, Schneider Electric, and WPPI Energy.

“It has been an exciting spring for M-WERC and we are pleased to welcome and acknowledge our eight latest members, all who are strongly aligned with M-WERC’s goals,” said Jeff Anthony, Chief Operating Officer of M-WERC. “As M-WERC focuses on emerging technologies in the areas of Grid Modernization and Smart Infrastructure, these eight new members will be able to work with our existing members and our working groups to advance knowledge and market insights in these areas.”

One of the rapidly growing technologies under the grid modernization heading is that of Energy Storage. Energy Storage technologies are an evolving, game-changing technology for the energy industry and is receiving increased attention currently. All aspects of energy storage will be covered at the 2nd Annual M-WERC Energy Storage Conference taking place next TuesdayWednesday, June 12-13 in Milwaukee. Co-organized by M-WERC and the Smart Grid Observer, this event is a unique opportunity to network with business leaders and technology innovators who are driving today’s energy storage market. The conference will examine the latest and most promising advances in grid-level and on-site storage, business models for various deployment scenarios, and success strategies for stakeholders across the energy spectrum.

M-WERC’s eight newest members will be participating next week in this event and helping advance energy storage market insights, and then at our July member meeting on Smart Infrastructure. The eight new M-WERC members are:

Clarke Energy is an award-winning multi-national specialist in the engineering, installation and maintenance of engine-based power plants. Our offering includes both gas and diesel-fueled technology. With its U.S. headquarter in Waukesha, Wis., Clarke Energy was acquired by the Kohler Company in February 2017. Clarke is the largest authorized distributor and service provider for GE’s reciprocating engine business.

Headquartered in Menasha, Wis., Faith Technologies, Inc. is an employee-owned, full-service electrical, engineering, and technology systems contractor with 20 locations operating in nine states. With more than 2,500 employees, Faith Technologies is one of the largest, privately-held electrical contractors in the United States. Faith Technologies has expanded into numerous markets around the United States. Additionally, they are licensed in more than three quarters of the 50 states.

GDS Associates, Inc. is a multi-service consulting and engineering firm headquartered in Marietta, Ga. with a Midwest office in Madison, Wis. Formed in 1986, GDS Associates employs a staff of more than 175 in seven locations across the U.S. Their broad range of expertise includes electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities. Additionally, they offer information technology, market research, and statistical services to an even broader client base.

Founded in 1959, Generac Powers Systems was the first to engineer affordable home standby generators, along with the first engine developed specifically for the rigors of generator use, and is now the no. 1 manufacturer of home backup generators. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wis., Generac manufactures the widest range of power products in the marketplace including portable, residential, commercial and industrial generators.

For the past 25 years, Gross Automation, LLC has grown to become the premier value-added distributor of best-in-class industrial automation and electrical control components, panels, and systems. Based in Milwaukee, Gross Automation has served customers throughout the nation and around the world by helping OEMs, systems integrators, and all types of manufacturers increase their productivity, lower costs, and grow profits through proven applications of industrial automation and electrical control technologies.

Madison Area Technical College (Madison College) is a technical and community college centered in Madison, Wis. MATC serves students in parts of 12 counties in south-central Wisconsin: Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Marquette, Richland, Rock, and Sauk. Campus locations include several throughout the city of Madison and four regional sites in the cities of Reedsburg, Watertown, Fort Atkinson, and Portage. Recently, Madison Area Technology College won a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) on “energy storage system technician training” and has agreed to partner with M-WERC on this initiative starting in July.

Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. With global presence in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric is the undisputable leader in Power Management – Medium Voltage, Low Voltage, and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems.

WPPI Energy is a not-for-profit, regional power company serving 51 locally owned electric utilities. Located in Sun Prairie, Wis., WPPI Energy stands behind its member utilities to help them preserve and enhance this value for the long term, with:​ a reliable, affordable, responsible power supply; cost-effective shared programs and services; and an effective voice for energy policy advocacy.

M-WERC members benefit from numerous networking opportunities throughout the year with companies and more than 90 organizations participating in M-WERC events, working groups, road mapping efforts, and other networking activities – all intended to grow the energy and engineering community in the Midwest.