Scottish wind company might choose Elgin

Elgin could one day be home to a small wind energy company from Scotland. Proven Energy is considering Elgin as the future site of its North American headquarters. Negotiations are still in preliminary phases, but the company recently announced plans to locate the headquarters in the Chicago region.

Susanne Sharuga, Proven’s general manager for North America, said the company likes Elgin’s location with its proximity to I-90, O’Hare International Airport and the port of Chicago.

“In general, what we’re finding with Elgin is they’re very open to doing business and attracting companies,” Sharuga said.

The city’s focus on green initiatives like the sustainable master plan and renewable energy has also drawn Proven’s interest, Sharuga said.

Elgin is already home to the Siemens Winergy plant, which started producing gear boxes for wind turbines in August 2009.

Michael O’Kelley serves as the vice president of economic development with the Elgin Development Group — a division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. O’Kelley said he has been working with Proven for about a year as the company has studied the city.

O’Kelley said if Proven locates here, it would start with sales and marketing staff. Then after three years, the company would expand to assembly of the small wind turbines and after five or so years, it would begin manufacturing.

Ideas are already being floated about a partnership with Elgin Community College for job training and class collaboration, according to O’Kelley.

Proven makes sturdy small wind turbines used in a variety of commercial, industrial and community locations throughout the world. Founder Gordon Proven developed the product in 1985 to withstand even the highest winds. Since then there have been more than 3,500 installations on all continents.

Preparation on Elgin’s end has moved from the planning department to legal as staff members discuss a wind turbine ordinance. Proven plans to make a final decision about its headquarters in coming weeks and if Elgin is chosen, it is likely the city council will vote on an incentive package later this summer.

Mayor Dave Kaptain did not return calls for comment.