WindStream Technologies, the Indiana, US-based listed company, set up its first manufacturing base outside the US in Hyderabad and also launched its SolarMill product for the Indian market today.

The 50,000 sq ft unit in one of the satellite industrial estates in Maheswaram near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, will roll out the integrated wind and solar hybrid product. Initially, 80 per cent of the product will come from the US and assembled, said Dan Bates, President and CEO of the company.

The initial investment in the facility is $3 million. It will employ 150-200 in the next 3-4 months.

West Coast Venture, Bengaluru, has made a substantial investment as partner in the Hyderabad unit, which will be scaled up as demand grows, he told newspersons on the sidelines of the opening function.

The SolarMill, which has an installed capacity of 2.5 kW (1.5 kw solar and 1 kw wind), can be used for both domestic (run appliances and power needs) and small industrial uses, especially in remote and coastal areas. It assures 24/7 power generation, offsets seasonality, has a five-year warranty, and 25-year life with a smaller battery size, he said.

The company sees a big market in India. It has plans to set up another manufacturing unit in North India and expand its marketing and distribution network. The long-term plan is to export to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, Bates said.

At present, WindStream Technologies has installed 10-15 SolarMills in the country. It has a promising pilot from Indian Railways to power unmanned gate crossings as well as for Internet connectivity from Telecom and many enquiries from small firms, said Venkat Kumar Tangirala, President, India, South and East Asia.

The Industries Minister of Telangana, Jupally Krishna Rao, formally inaugurated the unit. He urged the management to explore the possibility of setting up more units in Telangana and assured them of support.

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