Innovation and International Vision Generate Local Support and Global Demand
![\"\"](\"/images/TechtownLOGO.jpg\")
(Detroit) March 28, 2007—Danotek Motion Technologies, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company, is revolutionizing the wind power segment of the alternative energy industry. NextEnergy, a nonprofit working to advance alternative energy in Michigan’s alternative energy sector, and Automation Alley, an organization driving the growth of Southeast Michigan’s technology economy, have given Danotek an enthusiastic vote of confidence with recent seed fund investments totaling $200,000.
“This funding positions us for expansion into new markets. We greatly appreciate the support we’ve received from Michigan ’s technology industry leaders,” says Danotek President Daniel Gizaw.
Danotek designs and develops variable speed brushless motors, integrated electronics and permanent magnet generators. While this new technology can easily be customized for a wide variety of commercial applications, the company’s focus is the wind turbine market which is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide. In comparison to traditional products, Danotek’s patent pending generators provide significant system cost savings, increase efficiency through a 50 percent size and weight reduction, and deliver substantial reliability and durability gains.
“Our innovations have the potential to advance alternative energy industries on a broad scale,” says Gizaw, who founded Danotek in 2001. “We’re thrilled to offer customized, high tech solutions to companies striving to make renewable energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels. We have successfully transformed our automotive experience and innovative technology to offer competitive products and solutions to the high demand and underserved alternative energy markets.” Both NextEnergy and Automation Alley recognize Danotek’s potential to positively impact Michigan ’s economy. The company will launch three product lines during 2007 with plans to build state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly infrastructure. During the next 12 months, Danotek will hire 16 new employees, and an additional 75 by 2010. Danotek is projecting $10 million in revenue for 2008 and $50 million in 2010.
Both NextEnergy and Automation Alley recognize Danotek’s potential to positively impact Michigan ’s economy. The company will launch three product lines during 2007 with plans to build state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly infrastructure. During the next 12 months, Danotek will hire 16 new employees, and an additional 75 by 2010. Danotek is projecting $10 million in revenue for 2008 and $50 million in 2010.
Danotek’s success can be attributed to the senior staff’s experience and the international vision of its founder. Raised on a farm in where infrastructure was almost nonexistent, Gizaw witnessed his family’s ingenuity when they constructed alternative energy power sources and innovative farm equipment. Decades later, after a European and education and a 20-year career in multinational, U.S.-based Fortune 500 corporations, Gizaw’s extensive transcultural experience, technical skill and business acumen enable him to help improve alternative energy around the world.
Danotek was inducted into the The FrontLine Accelerator for Science and Technology (FAST), TechTown’s signature process for customizing a growth plan for technology ventures, in 2006.
TechTown empowers local entrepreneurs to build successful technology businesses that improve the quality of life for people across the country and around the world.
Danotek has been recognized as one of the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2007,” an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation