New solar energy company selects Menomonee Valley for its new manufacturing operation

Mayor Barrett praises business for its plans to employ fifty people by 2013

In a celebration at its new manufacturing site, leaders in the business community and government welcomed Helios USA to the city of Milwaukee. The start-up solar energy company plans to employ dozens of people at its Menomonee Valley facility.

“Helios is a company positioning itself for growth in our green economy – manufacturing equipment to generate solar energy,” Mayor Tom Barrett said. “It is providing value to Milwaukee’s economy and providing a product that generates green energy. Best of all, Helios is creating employment opportunities for Milwaukee workers.”

Helios will make photovoltaic components for solar energy installations using advanced automated production techniques. The company’s products will be used in both commercial and residential solar energy projects.

The company’s founder and CEO, Steve Ostrenga, worked cooperatively with the City, State and Federal governments to identify programs that helped launch Helios. He also worked with the Milwaukee 7 and BizStarts Milwaukee as he developed his business plan.

Helios anticipates employing 50 people within the next few years and more than 100 people by 2015. The company selected Milwaukee as the site for its first manufacturing facility because of the city’s skilled labor pool and its heritage of similar types of manufacturing.

The Canal Street Commerce Center where Helios is leasing space is a former stockyard. The building, developed by Ziegler Bence in coordination with Menomonee Valley Partners, is already home to Proven Direct and is now more than 95% leased.