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.

Vestas has received an order for 24 V90-1.8 MW turbines from Oak Glen Wind Farm, LLC, for a wind project near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Oak Glen Wind Farm is a subsidiary of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Avant Energy, Inc., of Minneapolis is managing the project. The contract includes delivery and commissioning of the turbines along with a five-year service and maintenance agreement. Delivery is scheduled for late summer 2011 and commissioning is expected by the end of next year.

“The V90-1.8 MW turbine is specifically designed to provide maximum power output at sites with medium wind speeds,” says Martha Wyrsch, president of Vestas Americas. “Minnesota is one of the leading states for wind power, and we are excited to help create more clean, reliable energy here. This project also will result in construction jobs and long-term local maintenance positions to be hired by Vestas.”

Formed in 1992, MMPA supplies electric power to its 11-member communities, all of which are located in Minnesota. MMPA is committed to renewable power production. Employee-owned Avant Energy has provided energy management services to public power utilities, universities, and large energy users for more than 20 years. This is Vestas’ 12th North American deal announced in 2010, totaling 1,655 MW among four turbine types. Six Vestas customers have ordered V90-1.8 MW turbines this year for projects in the United States and Canada.

Vestas is the world leader in providing high-tech wind power systems. Since 1979, Vestas has supplied more than 41,000 wind turbines in 65 countries. Vestas sold its first wind turbine in North America in 1981 and since has supplied more than 11,000 turbines to the United States and Canada. The company’s North American manufacturing operations are based in Colorado. This includes a blade factory in Windsor, a nacelle factory in Brighton, and a tower factory—the world’s largest—in Pueblo. Vestas has research and development offices in Texas, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Its global headquarters are in Randers, Denmark. Learn more at www.vestas.com.

Shortly after dedicating its new wind turbine manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas (see Q&A in this issue), Nordex USA secured an order for a 75 MW project using N100 wind turbines from EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc. The contract includes a five-year premium maintenance and service agreement as well as the delivery, commissioning, and testing of the turbines. This is the second time EverPower has selected Nordex.

In 2009, EverPower installed 25 Nordex N90 2.5 MW high-speed wind turbines at its Highland Wind Farm, a 62.5 Megawatt project located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. At the time it was Nordex’ largest American wind project, and the first wind farm in the country using turbine generators that large. EverPower currently has advanced stage projects in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington totaling 600 megawatts of capacity targeted for construction within the next three years. “We are extremely pleased to be building on a solid performance record with EverPower,” says Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex USA. “Our partnership proves that superior turbine technology makes wind power a competitive alternative to traditional fuels and can help secure the nation’s electricity supply.”

EverPower Wind Holdings develops, owns, and operates utility-grade wind farms and sells clean electricity generated from its farms to local utilities, which purchase this electricity for resale to individual consumers and businesses. The company has offices in New York, Pittsburgh, Portland, Oregon, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, and it is currently progressing wind farm projects in several states. EverPower is owned by its employees and the private equity firm Terra Firm, which has a range of institutional investors with the largest proportion being U.S.-based.

“We are very pleased with the possibility of installing Nordex turbines,” says Jim Spencer, president and CEO of EverPower Wind Holdings. “We have been impressed with the performance and reliability of the turbines installed at the Highland Wind Farm and from previous experience expect that Nordex’ next generation of turbines will have at minimum a 97 percent availability rate. We are also very excited to be the first developer to install turbines manufactured at Nordex’ new Arkansas plant. It reinforces what we have been saying—wind farms create American jobs.”

Currently Nordex’ largest U.S. order to date—150 Megawatts/60 turbines—is being installed at BP Wind Energy’s Cedar Creek wind farm in Colorado. For more information visit www.nordex-online.com.

Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announces that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke recently named Capstone Executive Vice President Jim Crouse to a national advisory committee that will promote U.S. exports of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. The 29-member Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee will advise Locke on the development and implementation of programs and policies to help expand the competitiveness of the U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. Crouse and other committee members also will develop strategies to identify and expand export markets for the industries, both in the short- and long-term.

“We will work closely with the committee to help achieve President Obama’s goal of making the United States a leader in the global green economy,” Locke said in a press release. “U.S. companies in these critical sectors need to take full advantage of increased exporting opportunities and thus will create green jobs for Americans that are needed to sustain our economic growth.”

Secretary Locke has recognized Capstone Turbine in the past. In June Capstone representatives joined him at a signing ceremony that was part of the first U.S. International Trade Mission to China under the Obama Administration. The event in Beijing recognized the distribution agreement between Capstone and Sino Clean Energy and acknowledged the companies’ efforts to broaden China’s use of clean-and-green microturbine technology developed in the United States. In addition, Capstone’s innovative U.S.-based technology and successful exporting record led Secretary Locke to award the company the Presidential E Award for Exporting in 2009. “Jim’s years of experience in the worldwide energy marketplace, and deep knowledge about decentralized energy systems will play a crucial role in advising Secretary Locke on these critical programs,” according to Darren Jamison, Capstone’s president and CEO.

Jamison noted last June during the announcement of the Beijing signing ceremony that “Sales of our low emission microturbines overseas rose significantly the last three years. The Commerce Department opens doors for us, provides advice and exceptional service, and assists with market assessments domestically and in Asia and Europe. With their help we’ve been able to broaden our network of Capstone distributors worldwide, which has led to increased sales.”

Capstone products offer a clean-and-green energy solution that ensures a reliable and uninterrupted power supply, low maintenance, and controlled energy costs. Energy efficiencies can approach 90 percent, especially in combined heat and power (CHP) or combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) applications. In CCHP applications, for example, the Capstone microturbines produce reliable electricity. At the same time, waste heat energy is captured and recycled to heat and air condition a facility via absorption cooling, thus greatly increasing system efficiencies. Learn more at www.capstoneturbine.com.

PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services announces that Fred Hilsendager has joined the company as vice president. He brings more than 20 years of retail and wholesale brokerage experience, as well as expertise in the design of leading-edge insurance, risk management, and warranty solutions for renewable energy companies, with a particular emphasis on the needs of wind turbine manufacturers.

As vice president Hilsendager will be responsible for working with retail brokers, project developers, alternative energy investors, and others across the country to promote and manage new business opportunities for the PowerGuard team. He will be based in Chicago, adding significant experience and depth to PowerGuard’s team in the eastern United States. “Demand for PowerGuard’s products and services—particularly our industry leading PowerCLIPTM  warranty solution—has increased exponentially,” says managing principal Mike McMullen. “Having a top alternative energy professional of Fred’s caliber on the ground for us on the east coast will improve our ability to stay ahead of this demand. Fred knows our products extremely well and we are pleased and excited to welcome him to PowerGuard.”

Prior to joining PowerGuard Hilsendager worked for retail broker Holmes Murphy & Associates
in Chicago, where he founded and managed their Renewable Energy Division. Earlier in his career
he held a range of production, account management, and underwriting positions at wholesale broker Tri-City and retail brokers Willis Group Holdings and the Hobbs Group, focusing on the needs of Fortune 500 accounts that included Merck & Co., Inc., General Electric, Ryobi, Mafco, Inc., and the New York Stock Exchange. Hilsendager holds finance and risk management degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia and can be reached at (312) 953-0293 or fhilsendager@powerguardins.com.

PowerGuard is a managing general agent and Lloyds cover holder specializing in the design and underwriting of unique insurance and risk management solutions for wind, solar, and other alternative energy companies. Its founders and principals have more than 20 years of experience providing innovative products and services to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the energy business.

PowerGuard’s warranty product—PowerCLIP—is the most comprehensive contractual liability coverage available to renewable energy manufactures, project developers, power generation operators, and the financial institutions and private equity firms who invest in them. For additional information visit www.powerguardins.com. 

Vectora Transportation, LLC, has been selected by Invenergy Wind LLC to provide multi-modal turbine transportation, handling, and related services for various wind farm projects in the United States. Deliveries will involve 134 complete turbines including nacelles, towers, blades, hubs, and ancillary parts, which Vectora will transport from nearly a dozen different origins in eastern Canada. The shipments will be among the largest wind logistics projects in 2010 due to the distance of travel and number of components involved.

“We are pleased to be working with one of the largest and most respected developers in North America,” says Vectora Transportation President Christopher Ball. “For a complex project such as this, our multi-modal approach allowed us to reduce their overall project transportation cost and also provide the reliability of inventory staging close to the wind farms.”

Utilizing a multi-modal approach optimized for cost and service efficiency Vectora will ship components via water, rail, and truck, utilizing the Great Lakes for marine transport, key railroad partners, and selected specialized trucking partners. Shipments originate at Vectora’s distribution center at the Port of Cacouna, Quebec, as well as various rail transloading points.

In order to support Invenergy’s demanding construction schedules, as well as other customer projects, Vectora has established a new multi-modal distribution center at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. The distribution center at Burns Harbor will support both inbound and outbound rail, marine, and truck shipments, and provide forward-positioning of inventory for Midwest wind farm construction activity. The deepwater port at Burns Harbor accommodates both barge and deep-sea vessels and provides access to all Class I railroads. Learn more by visiting www.vectoratransportation.com.

Duke Energy’s Top of the World Windpower Project near Casper, Wyoming, is now online and producing clean, renewable electricity. The 200MW wind farm, located in Converse County, supplies wind energy to PacifiCorp under the terms of a 20-year power purchase agreement. The 110 wind turbines that comprise the project are capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 60,000 homes.

With Top of the World now producing electricity, Duke Energy has 935 MW of wind power in commercial operation. This figure will rise to nearly 1,000 MW when the 51-MW Kit Carson Windpower Project in eastern Colorado comes online. In total, Duke Energy has committed more than $1 billion since 2007 to build its wind power business. “The remarkable growth of our commercial wind energy unit over the last three years illustrates our commitment to building a significant emissions-free power generation business,” says Keith Trent, group executive and president of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses. “Developing renewables projects under our low-risk business model will continue to be an important part of our company’s future.”

Top of the World is Duke Energy’s fourth and largest wind farm in Wyoming. The company’s 99-MW Campbell Hill Windpower Project in Converse County came online in 2009. Duke Energy also owns and operates two wind farms near Cheyenne: the 29-MW Happy Jack Windpower Project, which began commercial operation in 2008, and the 42-MW Silver Sage Windpower Project, which came on line in 2009. One of the turbine blades atop Tower 90 at Top of the World was inspected by President Barack Obama during his visit to the Siemens manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa, on April 27, 2010. Siemens supplied 44 wind turbines for Top of the World; General Electric supplied 66 turbines.

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar, and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns, and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities, and industrial facilities. DEGS is also working to build commercial transmission capacity to help the U.S. meet its energy needs of the future. Learn more at www.duke-energy.com.

Gamesa and the Newport News Shipbuilding operations of Northrop Grumman Corporation have signed an agreement to work together on offshore wind technology. The agreement calls for the companies to cooperate on the launch of Gamesa’s first G11X-5.0 MW offshore prototype in the United States, using Gamesa’s multi-megawatt technology and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s broad experience in challenging marine environments.

Gamesa is currently designing and developing a G11X-5.0 MW offshore Wind Turbine (WTG) specifically for the marine environment and built upon the technologies already extensively tested and validated in the G10X-4.5 MW platform. Gamesa is teaming with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News to utilize their proven expertise in heavy load logistics, systems performance and reliability, and the applications of such technologies in the marine environment.

To install in the G11X-5.0 MW offshore prototype Gamesa and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding are setting up an initial team of as many as 40 engineers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This highly skilled team will perform all of the preliminary work required to install the prototype by Q4-2012, including site selection, permitting, final construction and installation of the prototype, and testing.

“Gamesa has said before that it intends to play a significant role in the offshore market to ensure that it can tap the demand generated in the Northern European market, specifically the United Kingdom, starting in 2015, as well in the United States,” according to Dirk Matthys, CEO of Gamesa in the U.S. “Our alliance with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will give us the opportunity to test our technology on a short-term horizon, as well as to enhance and strengthen it, thanks to the skills and experience offered by a global leader in naval structures. This partnership further demonstrates Gamesa’s continuing commitment to and expansion in the North American market with both land and sea-based wind turbine technology.”

This announcement comes as federal and state governments intensify their focus on developing offshore wind energy. Offshore wind projects totaling more than 5,000 megawatts have been proposed and are in the planning or development stages in the United States. The turbine and foundation systems created by Gamesa and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding address the market’s main concerns, namely efficiency of civil engineering infrastructures—the number-one investment expense in offshore wind—turbine reliability, low maintenance and servicing requirements, and minimizing the cost of generating electricity.

New generations of offshore turbine systems offering higher installed capacity will be required in order to meet the expected rising demand in the offshore wind energy market in the medium and long term. To this end Gamesa is already working on the rollout of another family of offshore turbines with a capacity of 6-7 MW, with a pre-series potentially available in 2014. More information is available by going to www.gamesacorp.com or www.northropgrumman.com.

Nordex has begun production at its newly built wind turbine manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The plant’s first production crew recently began assembling a wind turbine nacelle, which houses the engine and other key components and sits high atop the turbine tower. “Two years ago we announced our intention to make Nordex wind turbines in the U.S., for the U.S.,” says Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex USA, Inc. “Today we’re putting our hands to the metal and doing it. We hope Congress will do the same by finally passing meaningful renewable energy legislation.”

The first Jonesboro production crew completed a 10-week intensive training program at Nordex’s flagship plant in Rostock, Germany. Training will continue during the early phase of production, with the team’s German counterparts taking up residence in Jonesboro for several months to work alongside their new colleagues.

“There’s no way to do this without international exchange,” according to Joe Brenner, vice president of production. “Wind energy has tremendous potential in the U.S., but it’s about more than just creating green jobs. We have to transfer expertise in order to build a wind industry workforce. Nordex is investing in such a workforce and bringing the needed skills to America.”

Nordex broke ground on its manufacturing plant last September, pictured above, completing construction in July of this year. The company has hired 150 employees in the U.S. to date, including 42 in Jonesboro, and has plans to employ up to 1,000 nationally over four to five years. About 80 percent of the workforce in Jonesboro are locals. Construction on a second facility for assembling rotor blades is also planned for the future.

As a technological leader among suppliers of megawatt turbines, Nordex benefits particularly from the global trend towards large-scale wind turbines. The product range includes one of the largest series wind power systems in the world (N80/N90/N100, 2,500 kW) with more 1,300 of these turbines having been produced to date. This means that Nordex has a crucial edge in terms of experience in operating large turbines compared to most of its competitors in the sector. Overall, Nordex has installed a more than 4,200 turbines with a capacity in excess of 6,000 MW around the world. For more information visit www.nordex-online.com.

Korindo Wind, an ISO 9001:2008 certified wind tower and monopile manufacturer, has earned ISO 14001:2004 certification for its environmental management systems. The certification is the result of an audit completed in September 2010 by Geneva-based SGS, a world leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification for companies in a range of industries. Korindo Wind is one of the few wind tower manufacturers in the world to earn the ISO 14001 certification.

“This International Organization for Standardization certification further validates Korindo Wind’s dedication to the values of stewardship and responsibility,” according to Ricky Seung, president of Los Angeles-based Kousa International, exclusive agent for Korindo Wind. “It’s important that companies engaged in renewable industries demonstrate this kind of commitment to sustainability and the health of the planet. Korindo Wind customers now have even greater assurances that, as we continue to manufacture one of the primary components for wind energy, we are continuously seeking innovative ways to limit the environmental impacts of our operations.”

ISO 14001:2004 provides a framework for a holistic, strategic approach to an organization’s environmental policy, plans and actions. While the standard does not lay down specific levels of environmental performance, organizations must demonstrate a commitment to compliance with applicable environmental legislation and regulations, along with a commitment to continual improvement in their environmental management systems.

Korindo Wind, a division of The Korindo Group, has a technologically advanced plant in Ciwandan, Indonesia, that features a highly efficient linear production line with an annual capacity of 800 towers. The company also provides Precision LogisticsSM, a comprehensive, risk-free logistics solution based on Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping. For more information go to www.korindowind.com.

The Stearns® Division of Rexnord Industries, LLC, has launched a new high torque brake designed to easily fit into the drive system of any type of heavy industry equipment. The Series 7EC Electric Caliper brake is spring-set/electrically-released and is used for dynamic stopping, E-stop, and/or holding-only applications. The floating caliper design compliments a variety of tough industry equipment including material handling systems, commercial elevators, industrial lifts, wind turbines, hillside trams, and lock-gate hoists for hydro-electric dams.

“Stearns is the number one supplier of spring-set electrically-released motor brakes in North America,” says Gary Zwick, Stearns product manager. “The new electric caliper brake will continue to bring our customers a top of the line product with efficient technology that outlasts the competition, meaning lower maintenance costs and increased productivity.”

Part of that efficiency is the brake’s ability to easily adapt to drive systems. The disc can be mounted in several locations including directly to a drive shaft (i.e. the disc can incorporate a hub with a QD bushing), bolted to a coupling hub, or directly to large motors since manufacturers can fit the disc to an extended shaft on accessory end of motor. High capacities in torque (500-5,000 lb.-ft.) and speed (up to 10,000 surface feet per minute) are also part of the product’s easy to use design. A high thermal capacity provides additional user versatility through the ability to incorporate gradual stops for high inertia loads.

The brake’s electrical operation eliminates the need for hydraulic or pneumatic components or systems, bringing users a simple, clean and low-maintenance installation. An optional environmental/corrosion protection package that meets IEEE 45 requirements for marine/maritime applications is also available. For more information go online to www.stearns.rexnord.com.

Lufft USA has announced the addition of MODBUS to its list of communication standards, making it one of the most flexible wind and weather assessment products on the market today. Lufft USA announced that its complete “WS” line of weather stations are now available with MODBUS data protocol in addition to SDI12, ASCII, UMB, NMEA, and analog.

MODBUS allows for communication between many devices connected to the same network, for example a system that measures temperature and humidity and communicates the results directly to a computer or programmable logic controller or PLC. MODBUS is often used to connect a supervisory computer, sensor, or group of sensors with a remote terminal unit (RTU) in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Sensors that communicate via MODBUS are commonly used in renewable energy, building automation, and other industrial processes. Lufft USA believes that the addition of this common method of industrial communication to its list of digital protocols will allow its weather stations to measure climate parameters with nearly any industrial project. For more information call Ann Pattison at (805) 963-7547 or go to www.lufftusa.com.

Vestas Towers America, Inc., announces the grand opening of the world’s largest wind tower manufacturing plant. The new Pueblo, Colorado, facility features nearly 13 million square feet of space and eight miles of on-site railway tracks for the transport of materials and finished tower components. The opening of Vestas Towers gives Vestas, a global leader in wind turbine production, a substantial capability to address growing needs among North American wind power plants for reliable, high performance wind turbines.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined a host of regional and local Colorado dignitaries, as well as president of Vestas Towers A/S Knud Bjarne Hansen and president of Vestas Americas Martha Wyrsch, in making the announcement during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Participants at the grand opening ceremony recognized a factory that currently employs more than 400 workers and is capable, at peak production, of producing 1,090 towers per year.

Vestas Towers America, Inc., has the ability to process more than 200,000 tons of steel per year, which is enough to build two bridges the size of the Golden Gate every year, or the equivalent of 28 Eiffel Towers. Locating the factory along major highway and railroad lines provides Vestas with the ability to meet customers’ needs with locally managed logistical efficiencies, which translates directly to cost and environmental benefits.

“We are extremely pleased to simultaneously provide job opportunities for the local community and outstanding product for our customers made right here in Colorado,” Hansen said. “We have deliberately located our factories in a central region in the U.S.—including our towers, nacelles, and blades plants—because regional centralization allows Vestas to build and ship locally in any direction needed in North America, and that translated to a direct competitive advantage for all of our stakeholders.” Go to www.vestas.com.

3TIER®, a global leader in renewable energy information services, announces its recognition by both Deloitte and the Puget Sound Business Journal in two separate lists that rank companies based on fiscal year revenue growth. This is the third consecutive year that the company has earned this distinction from the Puget Sound Business Journal, receiving a rank of 49th among the top “100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies” in Washington State. This is the first time 3TIER has been ranked on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™.

“3TIER and the other 2010 Technology Fast 500 winners forged ahead in a challenging economic environment to realize exceptional growth,” says Phil Asmundson, vice chairman and Deloitte’s U.S. technology, media, and telecommunications leader. “Deloitte commends 3TIER for this impressive accomplishment.”

Both rankings are based on fiscal year revenue growth. The Puget Sound Business Journal ranks Washington companies over the last three years. The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 is an annual ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and clean technology companies in North America. This year’s award winners were selected based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth from 2005 to 2009. During the period from 2005-2009, 3TIER grew 366 percent.

Kenneth Westrick, 3TIER’s founder and CEO (see Q&A in February 2010 issue of Wind Systems), credits successful international expansion and continued product innovation as the drivers behind the growth. “Our international offices have built a strong reputation for 3TIER outside the U.S., and they have developed many key relationships which have really established us in the marketplace,” he says. “This translates to increased sales revenue and market share. Our product development and delivery teams have also pushed forward aggressively to provide new offerings to serve the ever-changing renewable energy industry.”

For more than 10 years 3TIER has helped clients make better decisions about their renewable energy investments. 3TIER uses its expertise about weather and climate to determine how both impact wind, solar, and hydro energy resources at specific locations around the world. 3TIER’s suite of products work together to help clients pinpoint the best locations for renewable energy development, assess the long-term resource availability at a site to reduce risk, and forecast actual energy production over multiple time periods to promote efficient energy integration. Additionally, 3TIER’s critical resource data often inform regional planning and policy as renewable energy accounts for an ever-greater percentage of the world’s energy production portfolio.

“3TIER has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing tech companies in North America, and we are proud to honor them as one of the 2010 Technology Fast 500,” says Mark Jensen, managing partner, venture capital services, Deloitte & Touche LLP. To learn more about 3TIER products and services visit www.3tier.com.

FARO Technologies, Inc., (see profile in this issue) and Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology have launched the Innovative Solutions Network, a marketing, sales, and support collaboration in North America. Through the network these two leaders in metrology will provide a broader product solutions offering, including both traditional and portable CMMs. From the simplest to the most complex metrology measurements, the Innovative Solutions Network will offer customers access to more patented technologies, focused applications, and customer support programs and resources.

“The creation of the Innovative Solutions Network will allow us to better serve our customers by providing them with a total metrology solution,” says David Morse, SVP and managing director of the Americas for FARO. “The technologies offered by both companies are among the most advanced equipment available today, and I am excited to see two world class companies like FARO and Carl Zeiss create such a comprehensive metrology solution.”

For years customers have benefited from the world-class support and training programs offered by both companies, along with the extensive knowledge and experience that comes with over 120 combined years of metrology development. Through the Innovative Solutions Network individuals interested in implementing a metrology solution will now have access to expert resources from both FARO and Carl Zeiss. “We are pleased to work with FARO in the launch of the Innovative Solutions Network,” says Greg Lee, president of Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology. “Like us, their strength is in developing the key technologies needed to give customers the best solution. We believe it to be a great benefit to our existing customer base as well as for those who are considering a full metrology solution.” To learn more go to www.faro.com or www.zeiss.com/imt.