A business that opened a Grand Junction location as part of a global operation to supply parts and repair services for wind turbines has been approved to participate in a tax incentive program.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Spares in Motion to participate in the Rural Jump-Start Program.

The program offers participating companies tax credits and cash grants for up to eight years — including $20,000 as a newly established business and up to $2,500 for each new hire.

Businesses must create a minimum of five new jobs and add to the economic base.

Spares in Motion recently opened a facility on 27 1/2 Road new Las Colonias Park. The company started with five employees and expects to expand staffing to 10 to 15 employees within three years.

The Grand Junction location is the first in North America for Spares in Motion, a Netherlands-based company that also operates locations in Germany and Spain. The company operates an e-business platform for the wind turbine market, supplying new and used turbines, parts and repair services.

Justin Canup, director of business development for Spares in Motion, hailed the new Grand Junction location as well as the incentive program.

“Grand Junction has been my home for over 10 years. When Spares in Motion was looking for a North American location, I suggested Grand Junction because it’s centrally located and right off a main highway, making it easy to access support for wind farms across North America.”

“Being approved for the Rural Jump-Start Program is a great benefit, which will help us get started and work with Colorado Mesa University on projects and internships,” Canup added. “The Grand Junction Economic Partnership has been a great support, helping us get settled and providing us with the needed resources. We’re excited to grow in Mesa County and contribute to the community’s stability.”

Curtis Englehart, executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership,  said he was thrilled Spares in Motion selected Grand Junction for its North American location. “Spares In Motion is a cutting edge business that is poised to thrive and grow in our area.”

Spares in Motion is the 26th company accepted into the Rural Jump-Start Program in Mesa County, Englehart said. “RJS has been a great tool in our economic tool belt, and we hope to see the program get extended far into the future.”