NAES Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the energy industry, announces that effective January 1, 2011, it has restructured in order to better serve its customers and to extend its maintenance and construction services into new markets. NAES will create a new division, to be called the NAES Engineering & Construction Group and led by Dale Withers, which will provide a variety of support services for two wholly-owned subsidiaries of NAES. In addition to NAES Power Contractors, Inc., which has long served the union maintenance and construction market, NAES is forming NAES Constructors, Inc., which will pursue projects in the open shop market. The mission of the NAES Engineering & Construction Group is to foster the continued growth of both subsidiaries, and to ensure that each delivers high value, cost-effective projects with uncompromising safety, quality, and timeliness.

NAES Constructors, Inc. will be co-located in Houston with the Turbine Services Division of NAES, with that division embracing the same rigorous standards. Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, NAES is the energy industry’s largest independent provider of operations and maintenance services, also providing complementary and coordinated services through a tightly integrated family of subsidiaries and operating divisions. These services include construction, retrofit, and maintenance services under dedicated long-term maintenance or individual project contracts; on-site turbine inspection/overhaul services; parts refurbishments and equipment repair; staffing solutions; and customized services designed to improve plant and personnel effectiveness (see article in this issue). NAES is owned by ITOCHU International, Inc., the U.S. affiliate of ITOCHU Corporation. With operations in over 80 countries covering a broad range of industries, ITOCHU is among the world’s largest corporations. Go online to www.naes.com.

National GIS firm James W. Sewall Company announces that First Wind has launched Sewall’s ATLAS Enterprise GIS Viewer and Publishing system. ATLAS, an innovative browser-based GIS solution, enables GIS staff to publish a wide variety of spatial data company-wide via a fast, intuitive, and interactive mapping application built on the Google Maps Enterprise API.

High-value environmental and ecospatial information for siting wind projects is now readily available to all staff through a self-service model, reducing the amount of time spent requesting, searching for, and handling data. Because the same information is available company-wide, ATLAS supports collaboration, decision making. and the strategic planning critical to wind energy siting and development.

“We are very excited about the release of the ATLAS system,” says Ryan Chaytors, First Wind’s director of development. “We worked with Sewall to design a solution that fits our unique business requirements, especially the fast pace of data-driven decision making. We were pleased with both the design and the execution. The new system has been received enthusiastically by users in a wide variety of roles within the company.”

ATLAS is based on the Google Maps platform, extended by unique Sewall technology that enables First Wind to publish proprietary GIS data from a variety of sources as either Microsoft SQL Server tables, or tiled images.

Founded in 1880, Sewall is an integrated team of geospatial, engineering, and natural resource consultants who partner with clients to create practical, sustainable solutions. The company’s diverse portfolio is based on 130 years’ experience in surveying and civil engineering; 60 years’ in aerial mapping; and 20 years’ in GIS and software application development. Sewall has nine offices in cities nationwide. To learn more go to www.sewall.com. First Wind is an independent North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership, and operation of wind energy projects. First Wind is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information visit www.firstwind.com.

Lincoln Electric Automation has introduced a new robotic arc welding system embedded with advanced technology that redefines available solutions for submerged arc welding (SAW) with a robot. At the core of this next generation release, Lincoln Electric Automation has patented a wire and flux delivery system that expands the possible applications for robotic submerged arc beyond the normal restrictions of previous mechanized operation. The new, integrated torch design with streamlined flux delivery allows the user to incorporate robotic SAW solutions on corners and path variations, previously not possible with other mechanized gravity fed flux delivery systems.

The system integrates the industry leading Power Wave AC/DC 1000 SD welding power source to ensure superior weld quality results. The machine output is rated 1000 amps, 44 volts at 100 percent duty cycle. With 380-575 VAC, 50/60Hz input voltage capability, the Power Wave AC/DC 1000 SD can be connected anywhere in the world, making equipment deployment easier for global companies. The digital inverter-based power source features Lincoln Electric’s software-driven Waveform Control Technology, resulting in unprecedented control of DC positive, DC negative, balanced AC, and variable AC submerged arc processes without cumbersome mechanical cable swapping. Subtle waveform changes can be made for precise control of the submerged arc deposition rate and penetration. The result over conventional power sources is increased weld speeds, consistently higher quality welds and improved efficiencies in single or multi-arc environment. The new Power Wave machine features new iArc digital controls, delivering processing speeds up to 90 times faster than the previous generation. The result is faster arc response and greater arc stability.

Lincoln Electric Automation also integrated smart technology into solutions featuring remote weld process monitoring that allows welding operational efficiency analysis. Using Lincoln Electric’s Production Monitoring™ 2 Web-based software, managers can track equipment usage, gather and store data by weld, station, shift or date, configure welding process limits and generate e-mail alerts. The system also features Lincoln’s True Energy capability, which provides customers with an easy and accurate method for measuring and displaying energy for critical heat input calculations. Additional capabilities can be added to the robotic system, such as Touch Sensing, automated path follow and vision-based systems for tracking, guidance and error proofing.  When appropriate for the application, these technologies can extend the precision and quality of the robotic submerged arc welding supplied by Lincoln Electric Automation.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume extraction equipment, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company holds a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. For more information call (216) 383-2667 or e-mail automation@lincolnelectric.com. Also visit www.lincolnelectric.com/automated-solutions.

Stanley Proto has added to its line of electronic torque wrenches three new fixed ratcheting head models. The new wrenches accept standard Proto sockets, and come in ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” drive versions with torque ranges from 25 in-lb  (2.8 Nm) to 250 ft-lb  (339 Nm).

Stanley Proto fixed ratcheting head torque wrenches are accurate to within +/- 2 percent of indicated value in BOTH directions (compared to 4 percent clockwise and 6 percent counter clockwise on mechanical models). This broad accuracy range extends from 10 percent to 100 percent of full scale. In addition, 99 “onboard” memory storage locations help improve efficiency when taking multiple torque readings. The fixed ratcheting head features a robust 24-tooth design with a 15° arc swing, an alloy steel drive gear for strength and durability, a low profile design for easy access, and a reversing lever design to ease one-handed operation. The torque wrenches come with many of the same features and benefits as Proto’s existing electronic torque wrenches. These include:

• An easy to read LCD Display with large digits;
• Three units of measure available (ft-lb, in-lb, and Nm);
• A rotating head for easy viewing of the LCD display from any position.
• A fast sampling rate that ensures the wrench will measure peak torque the moment it’s reached;
• Track and Peak Hold modes as a standard feature. (In Track Mode the wrench displays real-time torque; in Peak mode it holds the highest measured torque until released);
• Helpful visual and audible indicators: a green light appears and buzzer sounds when the target is reached—a red light appears with intermittent buzzer when it is over-torqued; an audible buzzer helps identify when desired torque target zones are approaching and met. These features are a benefit when working in low light conditions.

The new wrenches are ergonomically designed for user comfort and operate on standard nine-volt batteries. They are manufactured to meet or exceed ASME B107.28. Users also have the option of purchasing Proto Software that allows for full two-way communication between the torque wrench and a personal computer. The software lets users download all data captured by the torque wrench directly into a spreadsheet, either all at once from on-board memory. It also allows for users to control all settings on the torque wrench either from the wrench or computer. The software comes on a CD, and includes a cable for connecting the torque wrench to the computer’s USB port. To learn more visit www.stanleyproto.com.

Lutze overload current control, Lutze LOCC-Box, provides reliable load monitoring and protection in 24V DC circuits. Innovative features include adjustable trip current range (1-10A), adjustable characteristics (fast, med, slow 1, slow 2, and slow 3), output alarm signal at 90 percent of the load setting, remote reset, and remote on/off functions. LOCC-Box serves very well in remote locations and hard to access applications, such as windmills. Narrow construction ensures compact design even with multi-channel configurations. No derating required as LOCC-Box functions independently of ambient temperature.

Additional features such as Gateway communication capabilities for remote monitoring and analysis are possible with the Lutze LOCC-Box Net. Optional LOCC-Pads software offers the possibility for custom parameter setting, analysis, and diagnostics. These are just some of the intelligent features of the Lutze LOCC-box.

Lutze, Inc., located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is part of the Lutze International Group. Founded in 1958, Lutze International Group has manufacturing and distributing operations in Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Czech Republic, China, and the United States. Lutze offers a full spectrum of automation components including a wide range of flexible industrial cable (Lutze Silflex, Superflex, Superflex Plus); plastic and metal fittings with metric, PG and NPT threads, a complete line of power supplies, industrial Ethernet switches, LSC-Wiring System, LOCC-box, and relays. More information is available at www.lutze.com.  

Power conversion specialist Converteam has recently delivered its innovative electrical power train solution, including its 900V converter and a direct drive permanent magnet generator, to Schuler Pressen for its new SDD 100 wind turbine. The 2.7 MW turbine will be installed in Germany and will go into operation in early 2011. The turbine design meets the stringent German 2009 “EEG” Renewable Energy Sources Act. It features a comprehensive grid fault ride through system and power factor control capability.

Converteam’s direct drive permanent magnet generator and its associated power converter are critical to the performance of the wind turbine and are based on the company’s proven designs enabling advanced power control, maximum resilience, and minimum maintenance. The latest 900V converter from Converteam, suitable for wind turbines up to 7 MW, presents numerous benefits:

• Best in class power density for a low voltage converter;
• Increases efficiency of the whole system compared to a 690V solution;
• Three level drive, optimises the wave form and dynamic control;
• Ability to keep low voltage while pushing the boundary of low voltage to its maximum capability.

The permanent magnet generator is an integral design including the mechanical drivetrain from Schuler. Converteam’s Technology Director Derek Grieve says “The direct drive technology removes the requirement for a gearbox, increasing overall reliability of the wind turbines, especially important for offshore installations. With this new drive train, we demonstrate again the benefits of our full system approach, which in this case has led us to the introduction of the 900V voltage level to the renewables industry.”

Converteam delivered its first permanent magnet generators for the Multibrid 5MW wind turbine, now the Areva M5000, in 2004. As a leading direct drive PMG manufacturer Converteam delivered one of the largest direct drive PMG ever built (3.7 MW) to Siemens Wind Power in 2008. With more than 20GW of wind power converters delivered so far, Converteam is the world leader amongst non vertically integrated manufacturers.

Building on over a century of experience, Converteam Group is firmly placed at the leading edge of technology and innovation with a global reputation for excellence in the conversion of electrical energy. Converteam develops and provides solutions built around three core components: rotating machines, drives, and process automation. As the technological and global market leader in metalforming, Schuler supplies machines, production lines, dies, process know-how, and services for the entire metal-working industry. For more information go to www.converteam.com.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announces that Vest-Fiber—a supplier of fiberglass products and services primarily to the wind turbine industry headquartered in Denmark—has chosen Moberly to be the location of a new manufacturing facility. The company’s capital investment of $2 million will create 50 new local jobs.

“The decision by an international company like Vest-Fiber to invest $2 million and create 50 new jobs is excellent news for the economy of Moberly and Randolph County,” says Governor Jay Nixon. “From day one as governor my administration has been focused on creating jobs and moving our economy forward, and I am pleased that we were able to provide the economic tools to help make this project possible. This significant investment by a European company is more clear evidence that Missouri’s economy is on the move.”

The state of Missouri’s incentive package consisted of $128,318 in Missouri Quality Jobs program incentives, which provides tax credits to companies that create a predetermined number of jobs, among other qualifications, as well as recruitment and referral assistance.

“Having Vest-Fiber select Moberly as the site for its newest fiberglass manufacturing facility is exciting news for the state,” says David Kerr, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “This project that involves bringing a company from overseas to north-central Missouri further demonstrates Missouri’s commitment to being one of the top states in the nation in which to do business.”

Founded in 2000, Vest-Fiber produces fiberglass and materials to the composite industry mainly to applications as wind turbine blades. The company specializes in cutting and kitting multi-axial reinforcement fabrics in glass and carbon fiber; structural foams/core material used in sandwich constructions; non-woven, plastic materials and vacuum bagging consumables; and “ready-to-use” resin infusion net-set kits. The company operates state-of-the art cutting units that process more than 7,000 tons of fabrics and convert more than 600,000 square meters of core material on a yearly basis.

“In our search for the ideal location, we found Missouri to be the strategic center of all wind-related production facilities in the United States,” says Hans Leerskov Hansen, business development manager of Vest-Fiber, adding that the company plans to have the new facility operational by February 2011. “We were also pleased to find the right skills and work ethic available.”

Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional, and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state’s business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the partnership’s team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information visit www.missouripartnership.com.

MAG’s new FTR 3500 floor-type horizontal boring mill (HBM) is a versatile, mid-sized job-shop machine, capable of a full 2 m reach inside parts with a ram-supported spindle. The workhorse machine tool is ideal for “heavy metal” milling, as well as precision multi-axis contouring, boring, drilling, and tapping on large parts for the construction, oil field, and wind energy industries.

The machine’s collinear ram, made from ductile iron, adds a 1-meter W-axis reach to the spindle’s existing 1-meter extension. It provides maximum rigidity for full-power cuts by minimizing spindle extension. The ram’s 400 x 500 mm cross section is ideally sized for extended reach with rigid support to enable the machine to perform additional operations, helping to reduce time-consuming large-part setups for faster cycle times and less work-in-process. The machine’s ram displacement compensation system uses a hydraulically actuated tension rod system to counteract the static loads of attachments, and control ram displacement caused by variations in ram extension and attachment weight. Like all MAG boring mills, the FTR 3500 includes W and Z-axis thermal compensation software to dynamically offset spindle growth.

The FTR 3500 is available in column heights of 2 to 5 meters (6.6 to 16.4 ft) in half-meter increments. Traveling-column design allows virtually unlimited X-axis travel for processing of large and long workpieces or multiple batch parts, while 20 m/min (787 ipm) rapid traverse rates reduce cycle times. The choice of spindle power trains includes two four-speed versions available with spindle diameters of 130 and 155 mm (5 and 6 in). Available horsepower is 56 kW (75hp). Modular design allows economical customization of the FTR 3500, along with industry’s fastest machine build and delivery. The machine can be fitted with choice of travels, headstocks, spindle diameters and spindle power, controls, coolant systems, workholding and tool magazines. Front-end options include a range of indexing and rotary tables, auxiliary slides and floor plates. An optional attachment rack enables storage and quick change of contouring heads, programmable boring bars, right angle heads and more to speed production. Optional cartridge-style ram allows for a fixed attachment or attachment changing operations.

MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. Key markets served include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining. With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG offers comprehensive lines of equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation, and software, and core components. Go online to www.mag-ias.com.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announces the formation of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), which will focus on advocacy and education to promote the on-site generation and consumption of distributed wind energy. The new coalition will have a national scope and will be lead by Jennifer Jenkins as executive director.

DWEA will expand the efforts of AWEA, which include producing an annual statistical report and advocating on the state and federal levels for distributed wind—small and mid-sized turbines that generate enough electricity for a home or business. DWEA also joined AWEA as an event partner in the second annual AWEA Small and Community Wind Conference and Exposition last December.

Distributed wind systems create local jobs, reduce operating expenses, protect against electric rate hikes, save fuel, and reduce pollution and energy imports. The 2009 market data showed the industry reached 100MW of installed capacity, more than $80 million in sales, and more than $250 million in private equity investment. The industry is growing at a healthy rate and business prospects are improving. This is in large part due to the industry’s successful pursuit of the 30-percent federal tax credit introduced in 2009. “This group can bring additional focus to a promising sector of the wind industry that is many peoples’ first encounter with wind energy,” says AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “As homeowners, landowners, and small businesses look for ways to diversify their energy choices, distributed wind can be a very appealing way to obtain clean, American-made electricity.”

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers. Learn more by visiting www.awea.org or www.smallandcommunitywindexpo.org.

Gurit, a leading global supplier of composite materials and technical solutions, has secured approval from one the world’s leading certification bodies for its new blade repair system, RENUVOTM. Launched at Husum Wind Energy 2010, it has secured Germanischer Lloyd Certification (GL). Rudolf Gerber, general manager wind energy, says that “Achieving GL certification is an important milestone in the market acceptance of this new technology, which is a key component in our strategy to reduce the cost of wind energy.”

The RENUVO blade repair system offers a fresh and novel approach to the many of the practical issues that have prevented more effective and expedient maintenance programs. Addressing damage arising from production, transportation and in-field use, the RENUVO system provides the solution.A wider weather window for repair has been achieved by the working temperature range starting at +5˚C. Traditional wet laminating materials must normally be used above +15˚C as they can suffer from bi-product and handling issues. Summer- and winter-grade versions of the RENUVO MPS (Multi-Purpose System) and RENUVO PP (Prepreg) are available to cope with most conditions.

The RENUVO product range has transformed the conditions for repair by using UV light from the RENUVO lamp technology to cure materials in minutes. A spot lamp is available for simple maintenance repairs with a higher intensity product available for deeper structural repairs using RENUVO PP. Both lamps are available exclusively from Gurit. Benefits include: over 50 percent reduction in structural repair time; low odor, zero VOC resin; styrene and amine-free; extended weather window for repair from +5˚C; zero post-cure for repair; and compatibility with all types of blade construction including prepreg, epoxy infusion, and polyester infusion. The Certificate is published on the Germanischer Lloyd Web site. Also visit www.gurit.com.

SSB Service, Inc., is now Availon, Inc., following changes in the parent company, Availon GmbH. The new name derives itself from “availability” and “on,” reflecting the company’s commitment to being available for its customers and keeping their turbines available.

“As a global market leader, our promise of availability demands that we are always poised for response,” according to CEO Ulrich Schomakers. “That means faster turnaround times, more maintenance services, greater availability of spare parts and components, more secure investments, and new turbine upgrades. Our goal as a global service provider is to be more available to our clients in every way which, in turn, improves their wind turbine productivity.”

Availon remains a primary supplier of SSB Wind Systems and SSB Duradrive parts. However, the renaming denotes a clear separation from these companies. SSB Wind Systems provides electrical systems for wind turbines, and SSB Duradrive manufactures specific drive solutions. “Our new name provides better emphasis on our core offering, which is independent wind turbine maintenance services for the international market,” says Schomakers.

Availon specializes in parts and services for GE and Vestas turbines, but can often service other turbine types. In addition to being a primary supplier for SSB and Duradrive parts, Availon is also an exclusive vendor for Bachmann, Leonard+Bauer, and Convertech parts. The Availon global portfolio includes spare parts supply and management, end of warranty inspections, individual turbine optimization, turbine upgrades, field services, remote monitoring, and operations and maintenance.

“Broadening the types of turbines we’re able to service is one more way we can help customers,” Schomakers says. “With a more expansive network, we can continue to reduce response and traveling time. We can use worldwide synergies and resources for further rapid development, while maintaining a high level of customer service. Since our formation in 2007 we have grown rapidly, but thoughtfully. Our customers appreciate our commitment, our competence and, just as importantly, our independence.”

Availon, Inc., is a part of the Availon GmbH family, which has more than 170 employees worldwide with business units in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Currently Availon operates throughout North America and Europe, but is expanding into other regions as well. Visit online at www.availon.com.

During the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Montreal recently, Brent Bergland—construction executive with Mortenson Canada Corporation—was elected as a member of the 2011-2013 board of directors. Chosen by industry peers, he was one of five newly elected directors to the 12-member board. Mortenson is the sole engineering and construction representative on the board.

“Being elected to the CanWEA board of directors amongst a group of established peers in the Canadian wind industry is great step for Mortenson,” Bergland says. “I believe that it provides us the assurances Mortenson is being recognized for the role we are playing in Canada and also the benefits our collective North American wind experience brings to the CanWEA board. I am truly humbled and honored with this election.”

CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 450 member companies. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.

Bergland has gained extensive wind development exposure, design management, and technical project management experience in the wind industry. He takes a wind power developer’s concepts and turns them into detailed engineering and execution plans. Since the beginning of 2002 he has been fully dedicated to the wind power industry. To date, his wind power experience includes 35 projects totaling in excess of 3,500-megawatts. He has direct involvement with approximately 1,300 megawatts of wind projects that are located in five provinces throughout Canada.

“As a representative of one of the leading EPC contractors directly involved and 100-percent dedicated to the Canadian wind industry, I have the passion to be a key contributor to the CanWEA board,” Bergland says. “I represent not only the role of a service provider to the industry, but bring a great appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that face our developer/owners, turbine manufacturers, regulators, policy makers, and communities.”

Mortenson Canada Corporation, one of Canada’s largest construction firms dedicated to renewable energy, provides efficient, quality solutions to meet the demanding needs of its customers throughout Canada. Founded in 2004, Mortenson Canada Corporation, a sister company of M.A. Mortenson, leverages the collective experience and expertise of Mortenson’s Renewable Energy Groups, which has built nearly 100 wind power projects throughout North America since 1995. The company offers a complete range of services, including program management, preconstruction, engineering, EPC contracting, general contracting, and construction management. For more information visit www.mortenson.com/wind.

Nikon Metrology, Inc., announces the release of its new ShuttlePix P-400R digital microscope, made for inspection, observation, simple measurement, and recording of high-resolution images. For on-site analysis of samples it serves as a handheld microscope that shoots high-resolution images as quickly and easily as taking pictures with a digital camera. For stationary use, the ShuttlePix microscope interfaces seamlessly with a motorized stand. With the equipped 17-inch touchscreen monitor the user can easily control, display, measure, or print images. The microscope also connects to a standard PC or laptop running dedicated 3D image reconstruction software.

“The versatility of the ShuttlePix system means the user can bring the microscope to large samples, such as an aircraft frame, turbine casting, or pipe work that often cannot be reached with a standard microscope,” says Bob Wasilesky, senior vice president of Nikon Metrology. “The unique ShuttlePix technology supports a wide range of inspection tasks in automotive, electronics, aerospace, and other industries. In combination with its imaging capabilities, it’s a very versatile, extremely useful piece of equipment.”

The ShuttlePix addresses the market need for an easy to use device that magnifies samples and can record and save images as digital files. Nikon combined its technological excellence in optical technology with its expertise in digital image processing technology to enable the creation of the ShuttlePix. The stand is equipped with a motorized Z, which does not require a PC for control. Operation of the stand is simple, allowing extended depth of focus (EDF) image capture with the touch of a button. ShuttlePix offers a 20x zoom with a magnification range of 20x– 400x on a 17-inch monitor, which is double that of competitors’ models. For optimal lighting, the zoom head has built in four-section LED ring illumination.

Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state of the art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative products respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and other industries. Call (810) 220-4360 or go to www.nikonmetrology.com.

Wind Systems magazine has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. Wind Systems is published by Media Solutions, Inc. BPA Worldwide will track circulation for the magazine based on business/distribution, demographics, and geographic coverage. Media Solutions will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.

“The magazine’s strong growth in the wind industry has made this a perfect time to apply for membership with BPA Worldwide,” says David C. Cooper, publisher of Wind Systems and president of Media Solutions, Inc. “Embarking on this time- and capital-intensive project stands as proof of our commitment to our recipients and advertisers alike.”

A not-for-profit organization since 1931, BPA Worldwide is governed by a tripartite board comprising media owners, advertising agencies, and advertisers. Headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, BPA has the largest membership of any media-auditing organization in the world, spanning more than 20 countries. Worldwide, BPA serves over 2,500 media properties including more than 2,000 B-to-B publications and more than 600 consumer magazines and newspapers, plus events, Web sites, e-mail newsletters, databases, wireless and other advertiser-supported media. The organization has more than 2,600 advertiser and agency members.

For more information on BPA Worldwide—including the latest audit reports, membership information, and publishing and advertising industry news—go to www.bpaww.com. To learn more about Wind Systems visit the magazine’s Web site at www.windsystemsmag.com.

Broadwind Energy, Inc., announces that Peter C. Duprey has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective December 1. He will also serve on Broadwind’s board of directors.

Duprey, 53, is a veteran of the renewable energy industry, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Acciona Energy North America. J. Cameron Drecoll, Broadwind’s chief executive officer since October, 2007, is retiring, but will provide technical advice and transition support under a consulting agreement. “Peter is the right person to lead Broadwind through the challenges and opportunities of the evolving wind energy market,” according to Broadwind Chairman David P. Reiland. “He offers the vital mix of skills and renewable energy experience needed to build upon Broadwind’s strategy to be the preferred provider of integrated solutions for global wind and energy customers.”

Since 2006 Duprey served as president and chief executive officer at Acciona Energy North America and led Acciona Energy’s dramatic growth in wind development and operations, turbine manufacturing, and solar in North America. Prior to joining Acciona he was general manager of marketing for GE Energy’s wind business, and he led GE Energy’s business development efforts in renewable energy, including the acquisition of Enron Wind. Duprey’s early career included business development and financial management positions at Eastman Kodak and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Duprey holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, and an MBA from the University of Rochester in New York.

“I’m delighted to join the Broadwind team,” Duprey says. “The long-term prospects of the global wind market remain promising, and Broadwind offers customers an unmatched and unique portfolio of products and services. I look forward to working with the company’s capable, dedicated employees to grow shareholder value as we meet the evolving demands of a global customer base.”

“We thank Cam for his leadership in bringing the Broadwind model to life and wish him the best in his retirement,” Reiland says. “Cam’s passion for wind, his gearing expertise, and his commitment to Broadwind and its customers, employees, and stockholders has steered the company through this tough market. We are pleased to be able to continue to draw on Cam’s experience in future months.”

Based in Naperville, Illinois, Broadwind Energy provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. The company’s product and service portfolio provides customers—including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers and wind farm operators—with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. These product and service offerings include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, precision repair and engineering services, and logistics. For more information go online to www.bwen.com.

Renewable energy and energy storage group Gaelectric has announced that it has successfully raised $18 million to book 960 MW of transmission capacity for its wind energy developments in Montana. Gaelectric North America says the funds raised have been placed on deposit with transmission system operators, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and North Western Energy (NWE), to book transmission capacity on their networks with power expected to flow in the period 2014-2016.

“The funding we have announced today will enable Gaelectric to advance the development of key sites in Montana with power delivered via the Bonneville Power Administration network and NorthWestern Energy networks,” according to Éamonn McGrath, president. “States like Montana, which have high quality wind regimes and that have historically confronted sizeable transmission development barriers, will now reap that value in a shorter timeframe. A recent study undertaken by E3 (Energy and Environmental Economics), experts in planning, policy, and markets in California and the West, found that of 12 states located across the U.S. western seaboard, Montana had the lowest levelized cost of energy production from wind. Furthermore, we believe the United States’ pursuit of a clean renewable energy future will soon break the logjam, which will mean that the policy environment is going to catch up with wind energy developers’ expectations.”

Gaelectric is a group of companies founded in 2004 with assets in Europe and the U.S. Each Group company is active in different fields of renewable power generation and energy storage with experienced teams specialized in all aspects of project planning, permitting, finance, engineering, and management. Gaelectric is active in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and North America, where it operates regional development offices. In 2006, Gaelectric North America opened its offices in Great Falls, Montana, and now employees 15 people in its overall North American operations. In Montana it has secured circa 250,000 acres under options in high wind resource areas, and has a medium term objective of bringing up to 2000MW of wind generation capacity to shovel ready stage. Learn more at www.gaelectric.ie.

NAES Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the power generation industry, announces it has hired Dale Withers to assume the role of president of NAES Power Contractors, Inc., effective January 1, 2011. NAES PC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NAES specializing in construction, maintenance, and refurbishment projects that support the energy sector in North America. NAES PC focuses its talents on several key businesses, which include fossil fuel generation; hydroelectric and renewable generation; substations, switchyards and electrical balance of plant; and spent nuclear fuel cask on-site construction. NAES PC provides services ranging from specific contracts to long-term system-wide arrangements with all field-based projects employing AFL-CIO building trade’s personnel.

Withers’ background includes 40 years of experience in construction and construction management in the petroleum, chemical, and power generation industries throughout the United States, Middle East, North Africa, and South America. He was previously employed by Alliant Energy, Brown & Root, and Foster Wheeler, holding senior management positions in each. NAES, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, is the generation industry’s largest independent, third-party provider of operations and maintenance services, and also serves the industry with specialized support services, gas and steam turbine inspections, mechanical shop repairs, and the placement of technical personnel. Go online to www.naes.com.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.—a leading supplier of innovative machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories—has brought Imad Tsay onboard as the new general manager of its Elgin, Illinois, Technical Center. Mike Land will be joining Tsay as the new sales manager. “We are pleased to have Imad and Mike take on management of the Elgin facility,” according to Bryon Deysher, president and CEO. “Imad and Mike both bring decades of experience—Mike started out as a tool and die maker, and Imad as a service and applications engineer—and their experience and their success in machine tool sales and sales management is the reason they were chosen to lead the Elgin team.”

Methods’ Elgin Tech Center is being expanded in response to the company’s success at IMTS last September. Methods sold over 50 machines there, including almost all of the machines on display at its booth. Application engineers and service personnel are also being added to the Elgin facility to meet the increasing demand for Methods’ brands. The facility can provide complete turnkey installations and cellular automation for the full line of Methods metal cutting and EDM machine tools.

Methods Machine Tools has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories for over 50 years. For more information call (978) 443-5388, e-mail sales@methodsmachine.com, or visit www.methodsmachine.com.

A European marketing and public relations firm and two North American companies have formed the Wind Marketing Alliance to provide branding and marketing strategies and services that connect wind energy clients to new and established markets on both continents. The companies are Lorenz Kommunikation, Grevenbroich, Germany; Fredricks Communications, West Fargo, North Dakota; and Advertising Marketing in Fargo. They announced the formation of the global Wind Marketing Alliance during the HUSUM WindEnergy Trade Fair and Congress in Husum, Germany.

“The Wind Marketing Alliance brings a powerful combination of wind industry and international marketing experience to serving our clients,” says Klaus Lorenz. “With our combined expertise, we can help companies build and execute strategies that are aligned and effective in the international wind energy market.”

Independently, the Wind Marketing Alliance’s founding organizations have worked in the wind energy industry for nearly 20 years and have represented some of the best-known companies in the world. Their experience includes manufacturers of turbines, towers, internal systems, precision gears, and specialty tools; construction, installation, and maintenance contractors; heavy-haul providers; and industry consultants. Its members also have been public relations partners to HUSUM WindEnergy in Europe since 1998 and in North America since 2008.

“Companies in Europe are anxious to enter or increase their presence in the North American market, and many companies in North America are interested in becoming their suppliers or partners,” according to Martin Fredricks. “We are in an excellent position to help them grow and positively impact sales, either on one continent or both.”

Lorenz adds that, through its strong networks of industry professionals, consultants, developers and trade organization leaders, the Wind Marketing Alliance also can be a facilitator for companies seeking international technology- and resource-sharing collaborations. He also said the organization intends to expand with partners in Asia, Australia, and other parts of the world where there is wind energy development. For more information go to www.windmarketingalliance.com.

Capital Safety announces the launch of the latest product in the popular Delta™ harness line from DBI-SALA, which provides premium comfort and ease of use. The newest Delta full-body harness offers industry-first features such as an improved ergonomic fit and feel, lighter-weight buckles, and high-strength webbing.

Building upon the existing line’s attributes, the updated Delta harness employs the patented No-Tangle™ triangle pattern, creating a frame that allows the harness to easily fall into place when donned and maintains ideal spacing of shoulder straps to eliminate rubbing and chafing. The 420-pound capacity harness features a soft, breathable interior and a comfort hip pad to help support the back and hips when carrying a heavy load.

With its durable yet lightweight Tech-Lite™ quick connect buckles, made of alloy aluminum material, Delta is fast and efficient to don, and is also built to last in even the toughest work environments. The harness features Revolver™ torso adjusters, which allow for quick adjustments and eliminate loose ends for workers, and liquid-resistant Repel™ webbing to promote comfort and prevent mold. In addition, built-in lanyard keepers holster snap hooks when not in use.

“The latest addition to the Delta line combines globally-accepted and proven safety features with industry-first upgrades that make Delta III the most comfortable and functional harness in its class,” says Jerry Falk, global product director. “Representing more than two decades of research and design, the newest Delta harness will surely establish its place as an industry standard for fall protection.”

For increased worker safety, the improved Delta harness offers DBI-SALA’s I-Safe™ identification tag and rip-stitch impact indicator that shows if the harness has been compromised in a fall. This provides an efficient way for users to inspect, store and track the harness’s integrity around the jobsite. Additionally, the dorsal D-ring patented spring-loaded design automatically stands up to ensure fast, easy and safe connections to fall arrest systems.

Capital Safety—one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fall protection, confined space and rescue equipment, with 12 operating sites worldwide and a passionate commitment to quality, innovation, and safety—is home of the DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands. All of Capital Safety’s fall protection and rescue systems are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance, and professional customer service. For more information call (800) 328-6146 or go to www.capitalsafety.com.