McKinstry to build Innovation Center for emerging clean energy technology companies

SEATTLE, USA: McKinstry, one of the nation’s leading energy efficiency companies, announced, at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Leadership Conference in Cle Elum that it is developing the McKinstry Innovation Center, which will bring new and emerging companies together to foster the advancement of clean, green energy technologies.

The 24,000-square-foot neo-industrial offices are slated for completion in spring 2010 and will be located at the McKinstry headquarters in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. NBBJ is the McKinstry Innovation Center architect.

In making the announcement, David Allen, McKinstry Executive Vice President, said: "The opportunities before us are significant. There is great demand for new green energy efficient technologies. Companies who are developing these now have a place to collaborate and gain the momentum they need to propel this industry forward."

"We are on the forefront of creating some of the most innovative solutions to eliminate energy waste in the built environment," said Dean Allen, CEO of McKinstry. "Now, with the Innovation Center, we will have the opportunity to quickly advance new technologies that are working toward that goal, as well as partnering with innovative entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market."

The McKinstry Innovation Center will provide emerging companies the opportunity to have access to the brain trust at McKinstry and synergy between the other companies that will be working alongside of them in the center.

McKinstry has a 50-year history of designing, building, operating and maintaining advanced mechanical, electrical, data and plumbing systems that deliver, monitor and regulate energy use. Visited by President Obama last year for a tour of its cutting edge operations, the firm continues to participate in advancing cleaner energy solutions.

A recent study conducted for the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) by Grant Thornton found that business incubators are the most effective means of creating jobs -– more effective than roads and bridges, industrial parks, commercial buildings, and sewer and water projects.

According to the study, EDA investments produce an average of 2.2 to 5.0 jobs per $10,000 in federal spending for a federal cost per job of $2,001 to $4,611.

"Seattle and the Puget Sound region have an edge in clean energy and technology because of innovative companies like McKinstry," said Phil Bussey, Greater Seattle Chamber President & CEO. "Development of the McKinstry Innovation Center will not only advance our position, but it will also fuel economic development and job creation, now and for years to come.”

The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Leadership Conference assembled the region’s preeminent business and thought-leaders for discussions on how the Seattle and the Puget Sound region can expand the clean energy sector to fuel job growth.

Co-chaired by David Allen of McKinstry and Tayloe Washburn of Foster Pepper, the conference participants looked at five areas where the Puget Sound region is uniquely positioned including: sustainable biofuels, wind manufacturing, solar energy, energy efficiency and smart grid technology.

“As one of the area’s leading green job employers in the region we are committed to supporting and expanding this new green economy,” said David Allen. “The Innovation Center provides the opportunity for these companies to come to market quickly and begin revolutionizing the industry.”