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Wis. Generators, Crews Head To East Coast

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin electric generator manufacturer has employees working the weekend to ensure a steady flow of products to the East Coast where Hurricane Irene is bearing down.

Forklifts are humming and trucks are on the move at Generac Power System Inc., in Whitewater. Company spokesman Duane Nelson says employees are working hard to meet the demand for generators on the East Coast. Nelson says electricity is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

Northeastern utility companies have asked Wisconsin crews for help. A Madison electrical power and mechanical contractor sent more than three dozen workers and several trucks to Albany, N.Y.

Hooper Corp., vice president Steve Lindley tells WISC-TV the company is being asked to send as many crews as possible.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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