McKenzie Bay Moving to Muskegon

A company interested in developing multiple energy-related products is the newest tenant in Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center.

McKenzie Bay International Ltd. has signed an agreement with Grand Valley for use of business development space at MAREC. Relocated from Brighton, McKenzie Bay focuses on energy management services, developing new technologies and applying existing technologies to renewable energy projects.

The company holds two proprietary technologies, a wireless control system that optimizes lighting in buildings, and a vertical-axis wind turbine for electricity generation.

"As the technology and services developed by McKenzie Bay and its collaborators are successfully commercialized, opportunities for job development in the West Michigan region will follow," said Arnold  Boezaart, director of MAREC. "We look forward to helping McKenzie Bay develop their technologies through guidance and business consultation."

Kevin Cook, president and CEO of McKenzie Bay, has more than 25 years of experience in the energy efficiency field, serving a variety of government and educational clients in the Midwest.

"We believe that customized, integrated energy solutions are the way to address every facility's need, regardless of size," said Cook. "It's the future, and it's our business focus. Our needs mesh with MAREC's role in advancing new technology and business development."

McKenzie Bay International Ltd. is the fourth, current incubator tenant at MAREC and joins Energy Partners LLC, Logical Lighting Co. and Smart Vision Light.

The MAREC is an economic development initiative of the City of Muskegon in partnership with Grand Valley State University and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. As one of Michigan's 11 SmartZones, MAREC's mission is to be an economic development catalyst and business accelerator, as well as a center for high-technology business development, with particular focus on alternative and renewable energy.  

MAREC offers a range of business start-up and incubation opportunities for technology companies, in partnership with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center. Its work also includes education and outreach programs for audiences like energy professionals, educators and citizen groups. MAREC uses a combination of renewable and clean energy technologies to heat, cool, light, and power its facility.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/marec, or contact marecinfo@gvsu.edu.

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