Italian wind turbine manufacturer Brevini Wind intends to start production on a new facility in Indiana in the third quarter of 2010. The original start date was for the first quarter in 2011, however interest generated at the American Wind Energy Association’s annual conference has lead to a decision to speed up the company’s timetable regarding the project. The Italian company selected the region because of the outstanding technical talent pool as well as a strong base of suppliers and contractors. The manufacturing facility will employ 400 people once opened. In addition to manufacturing

Pratt Industries (http://www.prattindustries.com) will begin production of eco-friendly paper / packaging with the opening of its state-of-the-art, 100% recycled paper machine in Shreveport, La., which will become a major producer of lightweight paper in North America. The Shreveport mill, Pratt’s third paper machine in the United States, represents a $150 million investment in the future of the industry. It will specialize in 23-pound liners and mediums to meet market demand for less packaging and greater environmental responsibility. At capacity, the Italian-made OVER Meccanica S.p.A. (http

It might not be the first place you think of when it comes to high-tech machine tools, but Italy has a long history of producing equipment that helps manufacturing plants operate efficiently. For instance, The Sacmi Group has been doing it since 1919. The US$1.7 billion company provides machinery for the packaging, beverage, ceramics, food processing and plastics industries. The company has come a long way from its beginnings as a staff of nine mechanics and blacksmiths. Sacmi has survived dictatorships, wars and economic hardships in its 90 years to grow to a worldwide staff of more than 3