SCRANTON, Pa. — A Geneseo, N.Y.-based maker of small windmills is poised to put a production facility in Northeast Pennsylvania that would employ 400.

While nothing is official, Windtamer Corp. Chief Executive Officer William Schmitz and other company officials were in town visiting several locations between 100,000- and 200,000-square-feet, and they left bullish on the area.

“We are going to do what is in the best interest of the shareholders, but we think this is a great place to be,” Mr. Schmitz said. “We expect dramatic growth and want to be up and running by Jan. 1.”

He cited the interstate road network, available work force and proximity to metal and plastic suppliers as pluses.

The company had an initial public offering in November that raised $3.8 million. The firm expects rapid expansion as it promotes its proprietary windmills to homes and businesses. The blue-and-white bull-horn shaped windmill magnifies the wind by enhancing the vacuum created by the passing wind to turn the blades. Company officials say the blade is two- to three-times more efficient than other so- called “ducted turbines” in its class.

The low-slung turbine at Marywood University, with 8-foot diameter blades, generates 4 kilowatts of power in a 20-mph wind, an example of micro-generation.

“This is not a solution, but one element to convert the power around you into something you can use,” Mr. Schmitz said during a visit to the site. “It gives you some control over your power.”

The model at Marywood costs $30,000 installed. A similar turbine will be built in Moosic near Johnny Rockets, company officials said. A federal tax credit can underwrite a third of the cost with a payoff period of anywhere from four to 24 years, depending on local electricity rates and location, Mr. Schmitz said.

Wendy Yankelitis, Marywood director of buildings and grounds, said the turbine fits into the sustainable philosophy at Marywood, where some buildings have green roofs and geothermal systems.

“This is one piece of a larger effort for us to reduce our carbon footprint and be more sustainable,” she said.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

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