Company Profile: TPI Composites

In October, the first electric buses were unveiled in Rhode Island, signaling the beginning of a new era of clean transportation in the state. RIPTA is testing these buses on routes with plans to purchase up to 20 more by 2021.

The new electric buses have a special connection to Rhode Island because their bodies were fabricated here. TPI Composites, located in Warren, uses a special molding process to make the bus bodies lighter, stronger and last longer. The lighter body allows the bus to use less electricity and travel more miles on a single charge than a traditional diesel bus. TPI shipped the completed body to Proterra in California where the company assembled the bus.

Founded in Rhode Island 50 years ago, TPI Composites now has its headquarters in Arizona with divisions located around the globe. TPI’s primary focus is on renewable energy and the company is the largest independent manufacturer of composite blades for wind turbines in the world.

Brian Lucchesi received his engineering degree at URI and started as an intern with the company in 2002. He worked his way up through engineering and design to general manager of TPI-New England and now runs two facilities with 200 workers.

“Our teams work hard every day to build components for clean energy projects all over the world, but we rarely get to see the final product when installations are completed,” says Brian. “It is an extra special treat to be able to ride in the electric buses we helped build, right here in Rhode Island.”