Front Generator Wind Turbine

Jewett City, Conn. —Although he was officially welcomed to the town at the Aug. 21 Economic Development Commission meeting, Jim Bardia, chief executive officer of the Change Wind Corporation, said he’s not ready to talk about his plans for a wind turbine manufacturing company in Jewett City.

But Griswold Town Planner Mario Tristany said the company started moving in two weeks ago.

“It’s an old mill that’s been inactive for a considerable number of years (finally) being productive,” Tristany said. “I was excited when I went down there and saw that they were moving in.”

The company, which plans to operate out of the former Wyre Wind building off Anthony Street, is expected to be up and running during the second quarter of 2014, according to the minutes of the commission’s meeting.

When fully operational, the company is expected to generate about 100 jobs, based on sale projections, with 25 to 30 in the first year, 50 to 80 in the second year and 100 three years out. Bardia added, however, that there are no guarantees.

Commission member Kevin Skulczyck, a Board of Selectmen candidate, said he was impressed with the presentation and believes it will position the town more favorably to other businesses.

“This is someone knocking on our door … and that’s something we’re not really used to in town. Hopefully this can change the reputation as an unfriendly to business community,” he said.

Skulczyck also said Bardia made it clear that his vision is to be a local business and a local provider offering local employment.

“It’s a huge impact, it’s putting people back to work,” Skulczyck said.

Economic Development Commission Chairman Tom Girard said he thinks things with the town are looking up.
“I think Griswold has turned the corner and we’ve got a strong EDC, and some membership changes in other commissions that tend to be more favorable toward economic development,” Girard said.

The commission has been working hard to attract business to the community and, about a year ago, implemented a tax abatement incentive that offers tax breaks on a graduated scale over five years.

First Selectman Philip Anthony said he is excited about the business coming to town.

“I’ve worked diligently for the past eight months with the principals, the sellers and the buyers,” he said, adding that he is glad for the jobs it is bringing as well as getting the property back on the tax rolls.