Idle Free Systems is featured in a video produced by the Wisconsin State Energy Office highlighting companies that have experienced growth and success through the funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Under the 2009 Recovery Act, $3.1 billion was made available to the states and U.S. territories to support the development of “green” manufacturing companies. Wisconsin’s share of the funding was $55.5 million. The funds were distributed via the Wisconsin State Energy office, which is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Idle Free received two loans as part of this program and said it was chosen to be highlighted in this video by WEDC because it has experienced significant growth and success in the green energy manufacturing sector.
“Wisconsin has utilized this funding to solely benefit our state’s manufacturers who wish to utilize renewable energy or energy efficient technologies in their facilities, enter a green energy supply chain with a newly developed commercial technology, or retool an existing product to serve the renewable energy or energy efficient marketplace,” said Christine McFadzen, manager of Wisconsin’s State Energy Program.
As manufacturers of auxiliary power units that help truck operators reduce discretionary idling and prevent the waste of nonrenewable fuel sources, Idle Free Systems received two loans to help with capital funding. The company’s Idle Free electric APU has been chosen as the preferred auxiliary power unit for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks.
“Electric APUs are a more economical and environmentally friendly way to meet the needs of the driver on the road,” says Robert Hopton, chief executive officer of Idle Free Systems. Horton said at the time that Idle Free received the loan, the company had seven full-time employees and now has 17 employees and are searching actively to hire five more full-time people.
“The State Energy Program loans that we received helped us meet our working capital needs as we began to significantly expand our business,” he said. “In three years, we have tripled our sales and doubled our manufacturing space. The funding we received through this program was unbelievably helpful to our success.”
You may view the three-minute video by visiting: http://wedc.org/sep.
