Big News Archives
WindStax Eyes Emerging Markets in Africa for Distributed Energy
Pittsburgh, PA – March 15, 2017
WindStax® announced a distribution agreement with BJM International to provide financial services and distribution of their alternative energy systems in Africa.
WindStax Wind Power Systems will expand its footprint to emerging markets in Africa through a distribution agreement with BJM International. With offices in New York and Casablanca, BJM is uniquely positioned to add WindStax wind and hybrid energy products to its portfolio of alternative energy interests. WindStax manufacturers the largest vertical axis turbines in the US and is a pioneer of microgrids combining wind, solar, and traditional energy generation to smooth cycles of supply and demand. BJM has extensive experience with commercial and development banks and export credit agencies globally.
Wind energy development is soaring in Africa. However, soaring growth has met constraints with the utility grid. Countries on the continent have shown some progress in adopting alternative energy due to similar infrastructure issues of legacy distribution. WindStax’s microgrids help overcome these hurdles by generating and storing energy close to the point of consumption. “This model of distributed generation is new to the US but a necessity in developing countries. Imagine the benefit to a remote hospital or fueling station generating its own power without relying on diesel generators to operate”, says Bruno Mejean, founder and managing partner of BJM International.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to make an important positive impact in these countries where clean and reliable energy has a direct impact on quality of life.” says Ron Gdovic, CEO of WindStax. BJM will provide project development, financing, export assistance, and distribution services, relying on local contractors for installation and service of the systems. WindStax will provide design, products, and technical support in the arrangement.
About WindStax – WindStax offers an affordable, functional, and exciting green energy alternative to fossil fuels. WindStax manufactures the largest vertical wind turbines in the US and is a pioneer in microgrids. Their systems make wind energy feasible in overlooked markets. WindStax’ systems are unobtrusive and generate and store power to replace generators, leaving utility power as a back up with ZeroFirst® technology. (http://windstax.com)
About BJM International – BJM International, Inc. provides project finance and export finance advisory services in the energy and infrastructure sectors in emerging markets, where its extensive experience is most relevant. (http:// www.bjminternational.com)
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Vertical turbines maker WindStax plans to expand in US, abroad
Pittsburgh, PA – November 23, 2016
Pennsylvania-based WindStax® Wind Power Systems, a designer, manufacturer and installer of large vertical wind turbines, plans to expand US footprint next year and is already exploring opportunities overseas.
Renewables Now by author Ivan Shumkov
Ronald Gdovic, the company’s president and CEO, says WindStax’ competitive advantage lies in the complete wind/solar hybrid microgrid systems it provides for distributed energy projects in areas where traditional wind turbines cannot be installed.
The WindStax system uses vertical turbine generators and batteries to produce and store energy for up to several days. If power demand proves to be too high, the system reverts to utility power.
WindStax is currently carrying out feasibility studies for several micro-wind farms under 5 MW in the US, Gdovic told SeeNews Renewables.
The firm plans to concentrate on commercial projects in-house and residential installations through a network of distributors in key markets both at home and abroad. At present, its project portfolio is approximately 80% commercial and 20% residential, the CEO said.
To date, WindStax has installed wind turbines in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and expects to execute commercial projects in Ohio next year. Also, it will be looking for distributors in New York.
Just recently, the company concluded a project known as Energy Flow in Pittsburgh. In particular, it installed 16 units of the 300-W WindStax vertical axis turbines at the Rachel Carson bridge, forming a microgrid comprised of four nano grids. The 4.8-kW installation now powers оver 27,000 multicoloured LED lights on the bridge. Energy Flow is expected to produce about 10,800 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power one typical US home. The project was sponsored by global material solutions provider Covestro.
When it comes to international markets, earlier this year WindStax shipped one of its systems for the Camp Lemmonier base in Djibouti, Africa, under a contract with the US Navy. The company also delivered a commercial turbine to Bahrain and is currently exploring distribution opportunities throughout the UAE.
WindStax produces its turbines in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a third-party fabrication and supply chain that is capable of manufacturing 50 units a month. The company targets USD 8 million (EUR 7.5m) in revenue for 2017. (USD 1.0 = EUR 0.945)
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Energy Flow comes alive on Comcast Pittsburgh Light Up Night
Pittsburgh, PA – November 18, 2016
Energy Flow was revealed tonight bringing the Rachel Carson bridge to life. WindStax® provided and installed an advanced microgrid and 16 unique wind turbines to power 27,000 LED lights on both sides of the bridge.
Lighting design by Andrea Polli, Chris Clavio and a team of programmers. Energy Flow takes queues from the environment to influence the dynamic display. LED lighting changes with weather conditions measured from a weather station on the bridge. Wind energy powering the lights varies as wind density changes. Cold, fast winds have more energy than warm fast winds for example. Energy Flow reacts with faster and warmer patterns and turbine lighting becomes more lively as they produce more energy.
Read more about how wind energy is working on the bridge including a link to live data at Riverlife News
The display will be running through the holiday season. UPDATE – The display will run through 2018.
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Pittsburgh Bicentennial Commission Announces Collaboration with Covestro, Environmental Artist Andrea Polli and WindStax
Pittsburgh, PA – July 26, 2016
WindStax® to install a dynamic digital light display powered by wind energy on the historic Rachel Carson bridge on a grand scale in Pittsburgh.
WindStax is thrilled to announce that we won an international competition to light up the historic Rachel Carson Bridge in Pittsburgh with renowned environmental artist Andrea Polli and Ron Gdovic. The digital art display will span both sides of the 840′ structure and utilize our vertical axis turbines and nanogrids to power the exhibit entitled “Energy Flow”. Read the Riverlife announcement at Riverlife News
Read the City of Pittsburgh’s press release at Office of Mayor William Peduto
The display will be unveiled to the public on Pittsburgh Light Up Night November 18, 2016.
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Utilities Take a Back Seat to Wind Energy with WindStax ZeroFirst™ Technology
Pittsburgh, PA – April 11, 2016
WindStax® announced ZeroFirst as the missing link between net metered and off-grid systems seamlessly using wind energy with utility power as a backup.
WindStax Wind Power Systems announced their ZeroFirst™ technology, which uses wind energy as the primary source of electricity calling upon utility power as a backup only if needed. Since 2013 WindStax has been quietly manufacturing and installing large vertical axis wind turbines in unexpected places. Their turbines are providing clean energy to homes, manufacturing plants, and even a trucking terminal in the Pittsburgh region. WindStax is a pioneer of microgrids, the electronics behind their unique turbines, which uses batteries to store energy to smooth cycles of supply and demand. With ZeroFirst™, the transition between power sources is seamless. Customers benefit by maximizing alternative energy investments using zero-cost and zero-carbon electricity with the reliability of public power as a last resort.
A barrier to installing alternative energy solutions is the complexities involved in selling electricity back to the grid. The Department of Energy reports over 2,000 public power utilities in the US. Net metering, as it is known, is regulated differently by each state utility commission who defer details of interconnection and code compliance to the local utility and municipality. While popular to tout the falling costs of solar hardware for example, the soft costs of compliance, permits, labor, insurance, and financing continue to rise. In fact, DOE reports average soft costs at 64 percent of the total cost of new PV systems.
WindStax systems can be net metered. However, they eliminate many soft costs by installing their microgrids behind the meter. “ZeroFirst is a paradigm shift in alternative energy,” says Ronald Gdovic, CEO of WindStax. “While the important discussion of where self-generation fits into the century-old public utility business model, we install microgrids for customers who recognize the benefits of generating and consuming their own power right now. Net zero is the goal.” Commercial buildings with large electrical demand and room for turbine clusters have much to gain adopting advanced microgrid systems.
WindStax is expanding production and plans to establish distributorships in the US and abroad in 2016.
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WindStax Wins Manufacturer of the Year Sustainability Award
Pittsburgh, PA – December 4, 2015
WindStax® is pleased to announce that they have won the Manufacturer of the Year Sustainability Award.
The Pittsburgh Business Times honored WindStax Wind Power Systems and other category winners on December 3rd during a ceremony at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
WindStax joined notable finalists at the event who share common threads of successful manufacturing companies throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. “Our company is proud to call Pittsburgh home. We have a tremendous core of manufacturers and suppliers here to support our growth and success. We owe many of them our gratitude in receiving this recognition. Just as Pittsburgh has historically been a pioneer in traditional energy, we plan to be leaders in sustainable energy. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Business Times,” said Ronald Gdovic, President of WindStax.
ABOUT WINDSTAX
WindStax® Wind Power Systems is a full-service wind power company. We design and manufacture our own unique brand of plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental stationary power requirements. WindStax Wind Power Systems incorporates many industry firsts – including high-performance energy management in a self-contained and reliable green energy system that is easy to own and operate.
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WindStax Selected as a Finalist for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovator of the Year Award for 2015
Pittsburgh, PA – September 18, 2015
WindStax® WindStax is recognized as a finalist for the Pittsburgh Technology Council Advanced Manufacturing Innovator of the Year Award.
The winner of this award will be announced at a reception at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA on December 3rd.
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WindStax Founder Receives Honorable Mention for 2015 Carnegie Science Center Environmental Award
Pittsburgh, PA – January 29, 2015
WindStax® founder Ronald Gdovic is recognized as an individual making unparalleled contribution in the fields of science, technology, and education.
Today, Carnegie Science Center announced the winners of its 2015 Carnegie Science Awards, presented by Eaton, at its annual Announcement Reception.
The program honors awardees from more than 15 categories, including Corporate Innovation, Emerging Female Scientist, Entrepreneur, and Leadership in STEM Education. These individuals and companies have distinguished themselves by making unparalleled contributions to science and technology in various disciplines.
“The Carnegie Science Awards spotlight some of the most innovative minds today,” said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “These individuals are making a global impact starting with our own region. We know they are already inspiring a new generation of leaders.”
Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 19th year, Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 400 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology.
“One of our central missions is to promote education in science, technology, engineering, and math – or STEM,” said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “The Carnegie Science Awards winners exemplify the highest levels of success in STEM fields and in STEM education. We are proud to recognize these outstanding awardees and look forward to their continued contributions.”
Eaton has supported Carnegie Science Awards for more than a decade as presenting sponsor. Chevron is the Awards’ prime sponsor, and Kennametal is associate sponsor.
“Eaton is proud to be a part of this vibrant community of science leaders and educators who continue to help position our region among the foremost technology and energy innovation centers in the world,” said Ruppert Russoniello, president, Circuit Protection Division, Eaton, and Carnegie Science Awards Event Chair. “These awardees are helping us to build a future that promises to be healthier, smarter, and more prosperous for us all, which is why we offer our congratulations and our thanks.”
For more information about Carnegie Science Awards, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
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WindStax Integrates Aqueous Hybrid Ion Battery Technology into their Microgrid Systems
Pittsburgh, PA – January 21, 2015
Pittsburgh wind turbine manufacturer WindStax is now offering Aquion Energy’s advanced Aqueous Hybrid Ion battery in their consumer-based microgrid system.
Staying true to their vision of blazing new trails in alternative energy production, WindStax, a manufacturer of large vertical axis wind turbines for consumer and commercial use, has made a leap closer to energy independence in their microgrid systems. The company has integrated revolutionary Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHITM) batteries to store wind energy for use on demand. These safe, reliable, and modular batteries are made by Aquion Energy, another Pittsburgh-based innovator in alternative energy. The firms are located blocks from each other in the Strip District and Lawrenceville.
“WindStax has installed a dozen microgrid systems using traditional battery technologies”, says WindStax founder and president Ronald Gdovic. “They work well but we are applying leadingedge wind power generation and energy distribution in our systems while relying on century-old lead acid battery storage technology. Aquion Energy’s AHI battery is based on a safe saltwater electrolyte and nontoxic materials yet provides much greater stability and superior cycle life compared to other battery options.” The first system of this type worldwide will be installed nearby in Braddock PA this March and the company has begun to offer the AHI option to select distributors nationally.
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Pittsburgh Public Market to feature Urban WindStax™ Power System
Pittsburgh, PA – March 19, 2014
Neighbors in the Strip is pleased to announce that WindStax™ Wind Power Systems, located in the Strip District, will install a 20’ vertical wind power system on the roof of Pittsburgh Public Market to help offset the cost of electrical consumption at the facility. The vertical turbine is a patent pending design that operates well in both high and low wind speeds from any direction. The turbine and related control systems are designed to work in turbulent wind and variable weather conditions typical of northern cities.
WindStax will install Pittsburgh’s first urban wind turbine on the Pittsburgh Public Market rooftop
“Even though Pittsburgh Public Market is not the tallest building in the Strip, the rooftop has an unobstructed view to the west, the direction from which the prevailing winds funnel through the Ohio and Allegheny River Valleys most of the year,” according to WindStax president Ronald Gdovic. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide the first urban wind power system in the US of this type right here in downtown Pittsburgh.” Unlike other wind turbines, vertical and horizontal axis alike, which are based on lift, the WindStax system uses a rotor design based on drag and will be the first wind turbine with this unique design to be installed on an urban rooftop. WindStax will manufacture and install the system this spring, with the aim to be an aesthetically pleasing and functional contribution to the Strip District.
Cindy Cassell, Neighbors in the Strip Special Projects Manager, said “The addition of a WindStax turbine to the building is a triple threat – not only does it fit our mission to bring green technology and infrastructure into Pittsburgh Public Market, it also helps lower energy expenditures so that we can continue serving as an incubator for independent businesses at an affordable cost, while supporting a cutting edge local business, like WindStax.”
Funding for this significant project is from a Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund (CITF) grant, which will also be used for improved signage and expanded customer amenities in Pittsburgh Public Market’s new location. “Since 2007, the Community Infrastructure & Tourism Fund has provided more than $31 million to repair and enhance key infrastructure, as well as acquire and prepare buildings and land, with the goal of facilitating business growth, community revitalization and tourism,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The award of this CITF grant will allow for an energy savings to the Neighbors in the Strip (NITS), which allows the organization to put those revenues into furthering their mission as a business incubator. The funding for Neighbors in the Strip is an investment in the continued business growth of our communities.”
Becky Rodgers, Executive Director for NITS, commented, “We are sincerely grateful to Senator Wayne Fontana, Senator Jim Ferlo, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald for supporting this grant and for all their efforts in shepherding us through the process.”
WindStax™ Wind Power Systems is located in the Strip, Pittsburgh’s Historic Market District, and manufactures complete plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial use. Made in the USA, the unique vertical design is friendly to the environment and offers clean energy solutions for off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental electrical power requirements. WindStax™ incorporates many industry firsts including high-performance battery storage and sustainable materials in a self-contained, portable, and reliable green energy system.
Neighbors In the Strip, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1999 to promote economic development and high quality of life, while preserving the personality, integrity and character of the Strip. More information can be found on the website, www.neighborsinthestrip.com or by contacting Becky Rodgers, Executive Director, at 412-201-4774.
Pittsburgh Public Market is a year-round public market located in the Strip District. It is a non-profit entity under the auspices of Neighbors in the Strip. The Market provides a place for local small businesses to open, learn, grow, and thrive in a prime retail district without the high cost of overhead that a traditional storefront would entail. For more information contact Tiffani Emig, Market Manager, at 412-281-4505.
The Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund provides financial assistance to facilitate economic development through infrastructure assistance, stabilization or corrections to existing infrastructure and to provide planning and preparation funding to prepare sites/buildings for use. The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County applies for State and Federal Aid on behalf of blighted communities and implements economic development and rehabilitation programs.
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WindStax™ partners with the Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center to provide a Wind Power System for Educational Purposes
Ligonier, PA – December 30, 2013
WindStax™ Wind Power Systems announced today that they will be providing and installing a WindStax20 system to the Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, in Ligonier, PA, for their planned Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning center.
“Students today should be preparing for careers in high growth and sustainable industries like those in alternative energy”, says Ron Gdovic of WindStax. “Giving students hands-on experience with our wind power systems will expose them to many of those fields including meteorology, aerodynamics, electronics, power storage, and energy consumption along with wind and solar power,” he says. Their wind turbine will be purchased with a grant for environmental education provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. Other funding for the project comes from The Sprout Fund.
EWCTC students and faculty will construct the wind turbine foundation and electrical connections alongside WindStax workers, who will install the unit at the school.
About EWCTC
The Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center is a part-time career and technology center located in Latrobe, Westmoreland County. The CTC serves over 575 students from three public school districts: Greater Latrobe, Derry Area and Ligonier Valley. EWCTC offers 15 programs in one of five career clusters—Automotive, Construction, Communications and Information Technology, Manufacturing and Services. Students can obtain nationally recognized certification in 13 of our 15 programs.
About WindStax™ Wind Power Systems
WindStax™ are complete plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial use. Made in the USA, their unique vertical design is friendly to the environment and offers clean energy solutions for off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental power requirements. WindStax™ incorporates many industry firsts including high-performance battery storage and sustainable materials in a self-contained, portable, and reliable green energy system. Power Up with WindStax™.
Alternative Wind Turbine Manufacturer Breezes Into New Plant in Pittsburgh’s Hitoric Strip District
Pittsburgh, PA – May 7, 2013
WindStax™ Wind Power Systems announced its move into a 10,000SF industrial and office building and added six skilled jobs downtown. Coming from a small shop in Apollo, WindStax is expanding its manufacturing capacity. Their turbines lead an industry trend toward small wind energy sources rather than sprawling “windmill” designs. It is difficult to miss their 20’ tall vertical turbine spinning in a breeze on Smallman Street periodically, which provides power to their office.
WindStax™ use a unique design blending natural materials with modern processes and components to make a self-contained wind power system that captures and stores electricity. “The goal is to build an affordable, reliable, and effective wind turbine that works as well in urban areas as they do anywhere,” says Ronald Gdovic, the company founder. “Large wind turbines have increased in complexity requiring thousands of parts from dozens of suppliers. We chose to take the opposite approach to make wind power more attainable to anyone.” Customers include home owners, farmers, commercial building owners, and park and recreation concerns.
Gdovic says that their new location is ideal due to its access to skilled labor and local services. “Few areas in the country have a concentration of workers with the core mechanical aptitude we need to build our products – and many of them are displaced or have scattered into service jobs.” So, Gdovic turned to the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board for help recruiting. “The response was wonderful” he says. “We received nearly 100 inquires and were happy to hire people anxious to get involved with a growth industry like green energy.” WindStax plans to add up to 10 more jobs this year.
WindStax designs and manufactures plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental stationary power requirements. WindStax™ incorporates many industry firsts – including high-performance battery storage in a self-contained, portable, and reliable green energy system that is inexpensive to own and operate.
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WindStax™ teams with Precision Performance Motorsports as associate sponsor in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Greenville Pickens, SC – April 6, 2013
Precision Performance Motorsports and Brandon Gdovic became a first time winner in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East on Saturday night in the Kevin Whitaker 150 at Greenville Pickens Speedway.
It was the first career K&N Pro Series victory for the 21-year old from Yorktown, Va., who was making his 27th career start in the division. It was Gdovic’s first series career win in 27 starts. His previous best finish was third in this event a year ago.
The emotional winner searched for his words and took a knee next to his No. 46 Windstax.com/Aquis Communications Toyota a few moments after the initial celebration. “It’s just incredible. It’s perfect,” Brandon said. Winning at Greenville is about tire management. It’s no secret. That’s what everyone was trying to do, but Gdovic executed his strategy the best. “You have to save your tires here and that’s what I was trying to do,” Gdovic said. “I just methodically passed one car at a time. When my spotter said, ‘New leader (car) 46,’ it sent chills down my spine.”
WindStax #46 Toyota Wins at Greenville Pickens More pics on Flickr
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Pittsburgh, PA – March 15, 2013
WindStax is proud to sponsor the Precision Performance Motorsports #46 Toyota race team with Comserve Wireless in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East event at Bristol Motor Speedway, set for Saturday, March 16. The race is known as the DRIVE4COPD 125. The COPD Foundation raises awareness of chronic obstructive disease (COPD). COPD is a serious disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema that robs people of their ability to breathe. COPD kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and diabetes combined.
Practice day at Dover International Speedway
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Pittsburgh, PA – September 27, 2012
Precision Performance Motorsports (PPM) with drivers Brandon Gdovic & Sam Hunt announced today it welcomes WindStax™ Wind Power Systems as an associate sponsor when NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway in the K&N Pro Series East September 28, 2012.
“We are thrilled to sponsor Brandon and Sam in this series”, said Dean Schafer, spokesperson for WindStax Inc. “The PPM team has been exciting to watch as they have come up through the ranks of the developmental NASCAR series. They approach racing in a unique way and have consistently outperformed legacy teams by competing creatively. We appreciate that approach. NASCAR is interested in green energy and Precision Performance Motorsports is interested in winning. That’s a philosophy we embrace at WindStax and are pleased to support.”
“We appreciate the participation by WindStax, Inc. as sponsors for the Monster Mile in Dover,” said Rick Gdovic, “the level of commitment to excellence by WindStax™ Wind Power Systems mirrors our team’s commitment to racing and providing substantial advertising value to our sponsors.”
About WindStax™ Wind Power Systems
WindStax™ are complete plug-and-play wind power systems for residential and commercial use. Made in the USA, their unique vertical design is friendly to the environment and offers clean energy solutions for off-grid, microgrid, and supplemental power requirements. WindStax™ incorporates many industry firsts including high-performance battery storage and sustainable materials in a self-contained, portable, and reliable green energy system. Power Up with WindStax™.
About Precision Performance Motorsports
Precision Performance Motorsports is located in Yorktown, Virginia. The team competes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with drivers Brandon Gdovic and Sam Hunt. For more information and the race schedule please see: BrandonGdovic.com and HuntRacing.com
NASCAR has the most prolific environmental sustainability programs among all U.S. sports including the world’s largest solar-powered sports facility, a tree planting program capturing 100% of the emissions produced by on-track racing, and the largest recycling program in sports with Coca-Cola Recycling, Coors Light, Safety-Kleen and Creative Recycling. Read more about NASCAR Green
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