Class-I rail services from the three major rail companies can now be offered at the port to move wind turbine components. Last year BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Rail Road (UP) began offering rail services to major manufacturers of wind energy components through Port Corpus Christi. Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) recently moved their first wind tower train from Port Corpus Christi. With this move all three Class-I carriers are now competing for wind component business in the region.

KCSR worked with Port Corpus Christi to coordinate the move, and Kansas City Southern de México S.A. de C.V. helped coordinate transportation and car distribution. Last week the movement of the first two 50-car unit trains by KCSR was its first wind energy component movement from Port Corpus Christi. “We are very pleased to be able to work with KCSR,” says John LaRue, executive director (see Q&A in this issue). “Having one more Class-I rail option to move the wind components from our port, along with our deep, uncongested channel and strategic location in the Gulf of Mexico, gives the port a better opportunity to serve the growth of wind energy components and other project cargoes.”

The primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is one of the 10 largest ports in the United States in total tonnage. The port’s mission statement is to serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45 foot-deep channel, the port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with onsite and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The port is protected by a state of the-art security department and an award-winning environmental management system. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.” To learn more call (800) 580-7110 or go online to www.portofcorpuschristi.com.

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces MNI40 incremental rotary encoders, a robust magnetic, non-contact encoder with intelligent diagnostics suitable for a wide range of applications. The MNI40 delivers resolution up to 3,600 pulses per revolution at speeds up to 30,000 rev/min and operating temperatures from -40°C…+100 °C. Robust, compact, and simple installation of the MNI40 make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications including machine construction, wind power, mobile equipment, material handling lifts, and conveying technology. Primary features include clear indication via LED display (two-color), easy installation and setup, quality assurance through complete self-diagnosis, and long service life.

“The LED indications are particularly useful during installation and setup because they provide information on proper assembly,” says David Rubinski, product manager. “The integration of the LED also reduces installation time and test equipment requirements, and offers greater potential for reducing overall costs of machine and/or system construction.”

The MNI40 utilizes a zero-contact (magnetic) connection between the encoder sensor and magnetic wheel, enabling the MNI40N encoder to measure speed without ball bearings. This eliminates bearing wear due to mechanical forces and ensures long operating life. The sensor includes sensing electronics housed in a compact IP67 rated enclosure and an elastomer coated magnetic wheel, so contact with water and oil will not damage the encoder system. Call (330) 486-0001, e-mail fa-info@us.pepperl-fuchs.com, or visit www.pepperl-fuchs.us.

AWS Truewind LLC—an international leader in renewable energy consulting and information services—announces the official relaunch of the company as AWS Truepower, reflecting an expanded strategic focus on delivering a broader set of renewable energy development and operational solutions to its global customer base. In conjunction with the renaming of the company, AWS Truepower announced a suite of services aimed at helping solar project developers assess, streamline, and maximize the deployment and operations of solar energy systems.

“For nearly 25 years AWS Truewind has been a market leader in science and technology-based solutions that support the complete project lifecycle for renewable energy developers and industry stakeholders,” says Bruce Bailey, President and CEO. “This focus, including consulting on some of the Unites States’ earliest large-scale photovoltaic projects, has resulted in AWS Truewind becoming a well-known brand across markets and a 40 percent annual average growth rate. Our historical market emphasis on the wind energy industry was reflective of the maturity of wind technology from a utility-scale generation perspective. However, recently we have seen a rising demand from existing and potential customers for an expanded solar solutions set from AWS Truepower. We feel that the new brand, combined with key additions to our team in solar consulting, better reflects the strategic direction of AWS Truepower as we expand our renewable energy customer and solutions portfolio.”

AWS Truepower builds on more than two decades of providing renewable resource and energy assessment, engineering, and operational services to wind and solar project developers. Within its wide-ranging solution set to support the complete project lifecycle, AWS Truepower provides comprehensive assessments to help its customers meet the rigorous requirements of solar photovoltaic (PV) project financiers in a timely manner to prevent developers from missing out on beneficial market conditions such as advantageous pricing or policy environments. Furthermore, AWS Truepower delivers ongoing forecasting and operations services that help maximize system performance and better plan energy delivery. For more information visit www.awstruepower.com.

Southwest Windpower and Better Generation will use 3TIER’s renewable energy information services platform to better educate customers on their on-site small wind energy potential. The platform enables both companies to integrate the most accurate, scientifically derived global wind resource data from 3TIER directly into tools that will help residential and small business customers more easily evaluate a potential investment in small wind.

“Easy access to accurate and unbiased wind resource information is going to help propel continued growth in the small wind industry,” says Kenneth Westrick, founder and CEO of 3TIER. “A small wind turbine is a significant investment, so it’s critically important to empower homeowners and small businesses with the information they need to make decisions with confidence. Only 3TIER can offer that anywhere in the world.”

Southwest Windpower, the world’s largest producer of small wind turbines, turned to 3TIER to help its dealer network better educate customers on their on-site wind energy potential. Dealers will have access to various online tools that tap into 3TIER’s global wind resource dataset to instantly forecast location-specific energy production of Southwest Windpower’s top-selling Skystream 3.7 small wind turbine. The integrated offering is made possible by 3TIER’s renewable energy information services platform, using both a Web interface and an application programming interface (API) to access its global wind dataset at different hub heights recommended for the Skystream turbine.

“Southwest Windpower is committed to utilizing the best technology available to help our prospective customers develop the most robust assessments of their wind energy opportunities worldwide,” says R. Dixon Thayer, CEO of Southwest Windpower. “Integrating 3TIER wind resource data into our assessment process ensures customers get the most accurate and reliable picture of the potential power they will receive from our turbines.”

UK-based Better Generation, a pioneer in inexpensive wind and solar measurement and energy prediction devices for the distributed market, will directly integrate 3TIER resource data into its Power Predictor product. Power Predictor is a device that enables residential and small business customers to collect on-site wind and solar data, and along with software, helps them select the best technology and products based on observed readings. To learn more go to www.3tier.com.

Gleason’s latest generation of profile grinding machines can now be equipped to perform a revolutionary new process called OPTI-GRIND, which significantly improves productivity and quality levels for fine finishing cylindrical gears as large as 6 meters in diameter, and up to module 16. The new process enables end users to achieve optimum productivity and surface finishes by simultaneously using multiple dressable grinding wheels for profile grinding rather than just the single grinding wheel that is typically used. The process offers end users a number of variations to choose from to meet their specific applications. For example, when optimum productivity is required, OPTI-GRIND is up to 40-percent faster because it uses three grinding wheels to rough grind four tooth flanks simultaneously, as compared to the typical process of a single wheel roughing only two tooth flanks at once. OPT-GRIND is then used to finish grind conventionally with a single wheel that has been dressed to produce the desired surface finishes and flank modifications.

OPTI-GRIND’s multiple-wheel configuration offers significant advantages for gear producers serving the wind power and other industries requiring optimum surface finishes. Where a single dressable wheel must be designed for compromise in order to perform both roughing and finishing, the multiple wheel configuration of OPTI-GRIND makes it possible to utilize wheels designed for maximum roughing productivity. Then a finishing wheel is designed to produce the desired tooth modifications including grinding of the root without burning, and to deliver surface finishes up to four times finer than what would be possible conventionally.

In addition to the new multiple wheel design, the OPTI-GRIND process relies on the use of the latest Siemens 840D CNC and Gleason Windows-based Intelligent Dialogue software to greatly simplify setup and operation. For example, a grinding technology database recommends and optimizes the production methodology for any of the process variations before machining starts, enabling even less experienced operators to produce high quality parts more productively. The OPTI-GRIND process is one of many unique technologies offered in Gleason profile grinding machines for workpiece diameters up to 6 meters. Learn more at www.gleason.com.

SPX Corporation announces that its SPX Hydraulic Technologies business unit, part of the company’s Industrial Products and Services segment, acquired UK-based Torque Tension Systems Ltd. (TTS), a leading global supplier of hydraulic torque wrench and tensioner tool products. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The addition of TTS’s line of high-performance industrial bolting tools will expand SPX Hydraulic Technologies’ product portfolio offering to the global energy infrastructure markets, particularly the oil and gas and wind sectors.

“SPX is continually seeking opportunities to enhance its product offerings to better serve its customers and provide them with best-in-class industrial solutions,” says Lee Powell, SPX segment president. “Torque Tension Systems’ line of high quality, high performance tools utilized across multiple industries represents a powerful addition to our growing portfolio of industrial tools.”

Based in Northumberland, UK, the company’s hydraulic bolting product lines include Dura-Lite hydraulic torque wrenches, LDF torque wrenches, subsea bolt tensioners, hydraulic nut splitters, flange pullers, and flange spreaders. All of TTS’s products are engineered using computer-aided technology to deliver first-rate performance and durability in even the most demanding operating environments. In addition to serving the power and energy market, TTS’s tools are utilized in the petrochemical, automotive, chemical, railways, and shipbuilding industries. The company has additional offices in Australia and Malaysia.

“TTS has built a strong reputation as an innovator by developing products and software packages for the energy infrastructure market,” says Thom Farrell, president of SPX Hydraulic Technologies. “By combining our premium Predator series hydraulic pump product line with TTS’s leading bolting tool offering, customers utilizing hydraulic bolting systems will be able to get the best of both aspects of a bolting system. The combination results in an extremely fast and durable system.”

SPX’s Hydraulic Technologies is a global manufacturer of high-force hydraulic pumps, cylinders, jacks, pullers, and tools, serving customers around the world. More information is available at www.spx.com.

Tentec, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of bolt tightening equipment for wind turbines, recently exhibited its Aero range of bolt tensioning tools for wind turbines at AWEA’s WINDPOWER 2010. The complete series was on display, with Tentec being the only company in the world to offer a full load, positive stop safety feature on the entire range of wind equipment. The new elliptical tool, designed for foundation tooling where there are space restrictions and accessibility problems, is the latest tool to be launched with this feature.

Overstroke protection is one of the most important factors to consider when assessing bolt tensioning tools. Without this feature engineers are prone to keep stretching, and this can result in the failure of seals and other parts. More importantly, any failure could create a critical safety hazard. Once this occurs the operation has to be stopped as, at a minimum, the seals have to be replaced, along with other work that needs to be carried out to rectify any further damage. This results in costly downtime that could be crucial for completing profitable job on time and within budget. Tentec’s in-house engineers have designed this unique full load, positive mechanical stop system so that just fractions of an inch over the required extension and engineers will hit a mechanical stop and stretching will cease.

As well as the range bolt tensioning tools for wind turbines, Tentec offers a choice of electric driven high pressure pump units that can generate pressures of up to 2000 bar. For more information call + 44 (0) 121 524 1990, e-mail sales@tentec.net, or go to www.tentec.net.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has named Joe LaRussa, P.E., as its director of membership. He will be responsible for increasing awareness of the value the society has to offer manufacturing professionals. Debbie Holton, who was previously responsible for SME’s membership activities, will be assuming a leadership role as director of industry strategy and product development, focusing on both existing and new event strategies which engage SME members and outside organizations.

“Joe will be a tremendous asset to the SME management team,” says Mark C. Tomlinson, executive director and general manager of SME. “His work as a volunteer and his understanding of manufacturing at a practical level will assist in the nurturing and development of existing and future members.”

Before joining SME LaRussa was project manager, customer quality office for Chrysler Group LLC. Prior to that, he held various positions in product development, project management, and manufacturing engineering at Visteon Corp., culminating with his position as a mobile electronics project manager. During his tenure at Visteon he was responsible for generating profitable revenue and achieving production cost savings for the organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering a master’s degrees in automotive systems engineering and engineering management. He has been an SME member since 1994, previously serving as an SME membership consultant, and he was appointed to the SME member council in 2009. In 2008, he received the SAE Foundation’s Young Manufacturing Leadership Award.

Founded in 1932, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education, and networking. Through its many programs, events, and activities SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, and motor vehicles, including motorsports, oil and gas, and alternative energy. More information is available at www.sme.org.

Formerly known as Mariah Power, Windspire Energy—developer of the Windspire® wind turbine—and MasTech Wind have announced the execution of a new long-term supply agreement. The new contract will extend production of the Windspire by MasTech Wind through 2014.

MasTech Wind began manufacturing the Windspire at their Manistee, Michigan, factory in April 2009 after retrofitting a plant formerly dedicated to the automotive industry. The Windspire is the only small wind turbine to be volume manufactured entirely in the United States. “With this new contract in place we remain committed to using American workers to make the Windspire a true ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ product,” says Windspire Energy’s president and CEO, Walt Borland. “We are confident that with MasTech Wind we have the right partner to make the best possible product for our customers around the world.”

“The Windspire has breathed new life into the Manistee factory,” according to Dave Boothe, one of the owners of MasTech Wind. “We are excited to be able to continue this strategic relationship and be in a position to demonstrate to the rest of the world what Michigan ingenuity is still capable of accomplishing.”

The Windspire wind turbine is a 30-foot tall, propeller-free, vertical-axis wind turbine designed to harness wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. It is eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit off the total cost of the installation and many local rebates. Homeowners, businesses, schools, and museums across the country and increasingly around the world have installed their own Windspire wind turbines to save on energy costs and reduce their impact on the environment. Adobe Systems recently announced completion of the installation of 20 Windspires at its corporate headquarters in San Jose, California. MasTech specializes in the design and manufacture of material handling equipment for systems involving automotive and other general assembly processes. To learn more contact Amy Berry, director of marketing at Windspire Energy, formerly Mariah Power, at (775) 857-4888 x231 or aberry@windspireenergy.com. Go online to www.windspireenergy.com. Also go to www.mastech-inc.com.

Broadwind Energy, Inc., has appointed Daniel E. Schueller as president of Brad Foote Gear Works, Inc., the company’s gearing systems business, effective April 12, 2010. He will report to Broadwind Energy CEO Cam Drecoll. “We are delighted to have Dan join our leadership team and expect that he will lead the gearing systems team with a robust combination of deep manufacturing experience, leadership skills and customer focus,” according to J. Cameron Drecoll, CEO. “As the anticipated upswing of the U.S. wind energy market creates new opportunities for Broadwind’s precision gearing system business, Dan’s proven success as an executive leader in manufacturing will be an asset to our customers and stockholders.”

Prior to joining Broadwind Energy, Schueller served as vice president and general manager of Vactor Manufacturing, Inc., a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation and a leading manufacturer of municipal combination catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks. He previously served in positions of increasing responsibility in operations with Tecumseh Products Company, a leading global manufacturer of compressors and related products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. “I look forward to working with the Broadwind team as we capitalize on a rich heritage of more than 85 years of gearing leadership at Brad Foote,” Schueller says.

Broadwind Energy provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. Its 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. They include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, precision repair and engineering services, and logistics. For more information go to www.broadwindenergy.com.

In an effort to help its dealers and potential customers, Polaris will begin offering financing for all wind turbine projects. The financing program will cover the total installed cost of the unit, minus any federal or state grant money. While many customers pay cash for the Polaris turbine systems, consider those who can’t or don’t. Presenting them with choices could open doors for them, and increase sales. For example, maybe they need a wind turbine but can’t spend the cash up front. When you offer financing options, your client’s purchasing power is increased and his money works harder and smarter.

“Preservation of capital is important to our customers in today’s economic environment,” according to Gerard J. Sposato, vice president of sales and marketing. “Financing allows them to upgrade their equipment infrastructure without depleting their capital. Polaris is happy to be able to provide our customers with access to financing our wind generation systems at one central location.”

If customers have their own sources for financing, the company will offer them an option and give them the opportunity to make a change. Customers are looking for a total business solution, and part of what Polaris sells is customer service. Payment options should be included in that service. The company believes customers will appreciate the one-stop shopping aspect of doing business with Polaris.

Seizing the need for a community sized wind turbine, Polaris America has turned its engineering and manufacturing capabilities loose on a whole class of innovative wind turbine designs that feature exclusive technologies and superior engineering. In introducing this new line of community wind turbines from 10kW to 1MW, the company will be addressing the needs of homeowners, businesses, schools and universities, governmental institutions, and other applications that its feels have been overlooked by current large wind turbine suppliers. Polaris corporate, sales and engineering offices are located in Columbus, Ohio. Financing applications can be handled online at www.polarisamerica.com.

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology celebrated the official grand opening of the West Coast Tech Center (WCTC) in Irvine, California, in April. Set up as a production inspection facility with metrology systems running in a process support role, the two-day metrology event offered visitors a unique experience. Part measurement on its systems was displayed in a real-time production environment, and other demonstrations were presented as well.

“The goal in opening this 3,800 square-foot facility is to get closer to our customers in this region while providing local support in growing markets,” says Drew Shemenski, manager. “Not only does this facility allow us to offer traditional hardware support, but it can also help us focus on a higher level connecting machines together through software to manage inspection requirements and data.”

There is a wide range of metrology technology on hand at the Irvine center: optical, touch scanning, CT x-ray, and measuring software. The METROTOM 800 is an x-ray based computed tomography system specifically designed for 3D metrology of small, complex, low-density parts made of plastic, composite materials, or ceramic. The O-INSPECT is a multi-sensor system that features both tactile and optical scanning and provides tremendous flexibility for measuring parts that approach the micro range of size. Zeiss has a variety of surface form and geometry systems to round out its measuring and demonstration capabilities. In addition to this technology the company also offers in-house measuring services, software training, and application support. To learn more call (800) 327-9735 or e-mail at imt@zeiss.com. Go online to www.zeiss.com/imt.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar praised the work of the 22-member Wind Turbine Guidelines Federal Advisory Committee, which reached consensus on a set of draft recommendations aimed at minimizing the impacts of land-based wind farms on wildlife and its habitat. Salazar said he will review the recommendations and take them under advisement as he asks the service to develop guidelines for evaluating wind energy development on public and private lands.

“Wind power is one of the keys to America’s clean energy future, but its development must be balanced with the long-term protection of the natural resources under our management,” Salazar says. “I commend the committee for their two years of work developing these recommendations, which will help us ensure that wind energy is developed in a responsible manner.”

Highlights of the committee’s recommendations include a decision-making framework that guides all stages of wind energy development; reliance on the best available science when assessing renewable energy projects and their potential environmental impact; and use of landscape-scaled planning that recognizes the need to think long-term about protecting our nation’s economic and natural resources.

“The Interior Department is creating a new energy frontier for America by harnessing the renewable-energy potential of America’s public lands while protecting wildlife,” says Michael Bean, counselor to assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “The committee’s recommendations will help us reach science-based decisions for future wind energy projects, while minimizing and mitigating local and regional impacts to wildlife.”

The group was created in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and represents varied interests associated with wind energy development as well as wildlife management professionals. The committee does not address offshore wind energy development. The committee reports to the secretary of the interior through the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It functions solely as an advisory body, providing recommendations on effective measures to protect wildlife resources and coordinate the review and evaluation of facilities by state, tribal, local, and federal agencies. The draft report contains both policy recommendations and recommended voluntary guidelines for siting and operating wind energy projects in order to avoid or minimize potential impacts to wildlife and habitat. To learn more about the Interior Department’s wind initiatives visit www.doi.gov/whatwedo/energy.

Regardless of the workplace—from a manufacturing plant to a diesel repair center, power generation site, or a wind farm—the portable Snap-on Industrial Digital Torque Tester (DTT) can do its job almost anywhere. Thanks to its light weight combined with an integral transducer and sturdy housing, the unit can be wall mounted or employed in a benchtop vise to allow the user to accurately test torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers.

The Snap-on Industrial DDT features an easy-to-use 4.7-inch touch-pad screen to capture peak torque values during real-time testing and allows download of test data to a PC. All DTT torque testers are sold in a complete kit that includes the tester, hard carrying case, two socket driver reducer adapters, AC/DC power supply, AC adapter, and USB cable. The six DTT models range in capacity from ¼” drive, 10-100 in. oz. to ¾” drive, 60-600 ft. lbs.  All models will display readings in English, Newton meters and kilogram-centimeter units of torque. Accuracy is ±0.5% of reading ±1 count CW and CCW from 10 to 100% of full scale at 25ºC. Display accuracy of the unit is four digits, 9999 cycle counts.  It requires six AA Alkaline batteries, or it can be run off the AC adapter.

Snap-on Industrial is a division of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software, and service solutions for professional users. More information is available by calling (877) 740-1900 or visit int www.snapon.com/industrial.

Ingeteam will invest in the implementation of a combined production center in the United States. The company’s activity will focus primarily on the energy sector, specializing in the manufacture of wind power generators and converters, as well as solar photovoltaic converters, to meet the needs of the North American market. Ingeteam already has an office in Santa Clara, California, specializing in the sale of solar photovoltaic inverters. Likewise, another of the new affiliate’s objectives is the manufacture of motors, generators, and converters for other markets in which the company is active.

Ingeteam currently has a location in Mequon, Wisconsin, carrying out wind turbine operation and maintenance activities. Through this activity it manages more than 2,200 MW distributed over 60 wind farms all over the world. It should be stressed that Ingeteam’s wind power systems currently enjoy a market share between 12 and 15 percent. This share will increase in the coming years since the new factory is going to make possible the production of equipment for the equivalent of 7,500 MW each year, meeting the needs of its customers in this country. Several ranges of converter/generator products will be manufactured in the facilities, covering ranges from 1.5 to 5 MW of power for wind usage. In the medium term it is planned to endow the plant with the capacity to perform joint testing of complete equipment.

Ingeteam is a business group specializing in electrical engineering and the development of electronic technology that works in the energy, industry, marine, and railway traction sectors with the brands Ingeteam, Indar and Pine. It is made up of 28 companies spanning four continents—Asia, Europe, North America, and South America—and employing more than 3,500 people. To learn more contact Aitor Sotes at +1 262-240-9850 or aitor.sotes@ingeteam.com. Go online to www.ingeteam.com.

Indonesia-based Korindo has announced it has begun marketing utility-scale wind towers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the name Korindo Wind. To date it has delivered 550 towers to customers developing North-American wind energy projects, and nearly 1,000 worldwide. With its plant less than a mile from the Port of Ciwandan, Indonesia, and the ability to deliver sections to the port closest to a project site, Korindo Wind is able to develop competitive pricing for customers around the globe. Jakarta-based Korindo, founded in Jakarta in 1969, launched Korindo Wind with the construction of a wind tower manufacturing facility in 2006.

“With the expected upturn in wind energy development in North America, it has become important to more firmly establish Korindo’s wind energy division here,” says Ricky Seung, president of Los Angeles-based Kousa International, exclusive agent for Korindo Wind. “Now, as the U.S. economy rebounds and more financing becomes available for wind projects, Korindo Wind is in an excellent position to form long-term partnerships with companies that develop projects or source primary components such as Korindo Wind’s high quality wind towers.”

Korindo Wind is an ISO 9001:2000 certified wind tower manufacturer. Its technologically advanced plant in Ciwandan, Indonesia, features a highly efficient linear production line and has an annual capacity of 800 towers, or the equivalent of 2 gigawatts installed. The company also provides Precision LogisticsSM, a comprehensive, risk-free logistics solution based on Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping. Kousa International, Los Angeles, is the exclusive agent for Korindo Wind. For more information go to www.korindowind.com.

Shermco Industries has hired Mike Hancock as manager of business development for its Engineering Services Division. An electrical power industry veteran of over 17 years, he will work with all levels of the organization, applying his broad expertise on business development to the organization’s current operation and planned expansion. Hancock will focus on business growth and major project execution, as well as supporting and working with all of Shermco’s district operations managers, coordinators, sales engineers, and approximately 100 field operations personnel.

“Mike has extensive experience in this industry and he has a very impressive track record of success,” says Thad Brown, vice president of Engineering Services. “He’s overseen some large scale projects in his career, including one related to Hurricane Ike relief efforts and another associated with the 2009 Iowa area floods.”

Shermco Industries is a provider of safe, reliable testing, repair, professional training, maintenance, and analysis of rotating apparatus and electrical power distribution systems and related equipment for the light, medium, and heavy industrial base nationwide. Founded in 1974 in Dallas, the company is comprised of two strategic business units; the Machine Services Division, and an Engineering Services Division. With a corporate location in Irving, Texas, a sales office in Brussels, and service centers in Austin, Texas, and Tulsa and Sweetwater, Oklahoma, Shermco has more than 250 full-time employees. The company is a member of the Electrical Apparatus Service Association, the American Wind Energy Association, and the International Electrical Testing Association. For more information go to www.shermco.com.

GE will invest approximately €340 million to develop or expand its wind turbine manufacturing, engineering, and service facilities in four European countries—the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and Germany—signaling GE’s deep commitment to the promising European offshore wind sector. “Offshore wind will play a vital role in meeting the growing global demand for cleaner, renewable energy and has a bright future here in Europe,” says Ferdinando (Nani) Beccalli-Falco, president and CEO of GE International. “These investments will position us to help develop Europe’s vast, untapped offshore wind resources, while also creating new jobs for both GE and our suppliers.”

At the core of GE’s European expansion plans is the development of its next-generation wind turbine, a 4-megawatt machine designed specifically for offshore deployment. As the largest wind turbine in GE’s fleet, it will incorporate advanced drive train and control technologies gained through GE’s acquisition of ScanWind. The 4-megawatt wind turbine will feature GE’s innovative technology that eliminates the need for gearboxes. This technology is already being demonstrated at a test site in Hundhammerfjellet, Norway, where the first ScanWind direct drive unit has been operating for more than five years.

“GE’s proven reliability on more than 13,500 land units coupled with ScanWind’s proven offshore, gearless design enables us to provide our customers the reliable solutions necessary for the offshore wind industry,” says Victor Abate, vice president of renewable energy for GE Power & Water. “These announcements lay the foundation for us to begin scaling our offshore business, technology, and supply chain locally in Europe where we see the greatest growth opportunity.”

The European Wind Energy Association expects that Europe’s offshore wind sector will grow more than 70 percent in 2010, with continued growth forecast over the next several years. If all of the offshore wind projects currently in development are completed, they could produce 10 percent of the European Union’s total electricity while avoiding 200 million tons of CO2 emissions each year. Overall, offshore wind is expected to make a major contribution in helping the European Union reach its goal to have 20 percent of its energy produced from renewable resources by the year 2020. For more information visit the company’s Web site at www.ge.com.

Jens-Peter Saul has been appointed CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Business Unit headquartered in Brande. He succeeds Andreas Nauen, who is leaving Siemens at his own wish. He was previously managing director of Siemens Energy in the UK and also responsible for the North and West Europe regions.

Saul earned a degree in engineering at the University of Hanover in 1994. He joined Siemens’ Fossil Power Generation Division in 1996 as project manager, where he held various managerial posts. Following a short term as project manager with a consulting company in the automobile sector, he assumed managerial functions at Siemens in 2002, including responsibility for power plants sales and marketing in the Middle East. In 2005 he was appointed head of power plant business for the Siemens Power Generation Group in the UK.

“We would like to thank Mr. Nauen for his achievements for our company,” says René Umlauft, CEO of Siemens’ Renewable Energy Division. “In Jens-Peter Saul we have found the right successor to push ahead with achievement of our ambitious targets in the field of wind turbines.”

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services, and solutions for the generation, transmission, and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion, and transport of oil and gas.

Learn more by visiting www.siemens.com/energy.

Mariah Power, developer of the Windspire® vertical axis wind turbine,  announces a corporate name change to Windspire Energy, Inc. The name simplifies the branding of the company and its lead product, while leveraging the innovation of the Windspire wind turbine. In conjunction with the name change the company  has also launched www.windspireenergy.com, a new buyer-focused Web site with information on the many available applications of Windspire wind turbines.

The Windspire is a vertical axis wind turbine designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The unique design of the rotor enables the turbine to generate energy silently while standing just 30 feet tall. Hundreds of Windspires are currently powering homes, businesses, schools, and museums across the United States. Recently the company announced the installation of 20 Windspires at the headquarters of leading software company Adobe Systems in San Jose, California (see article in this issue).

“We are focused on delivering renewable energy solutions that are elegant in their simplicity,” says Walt Borland, president and CEO. “The corporate name change is just one example of how we are simplifying everything that we do, including our brand.”

Designed and manufactured in the U.S., the Windspire is eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit and many local rebates that can be as much as $4,800.00. In 11 mph average annual winds a Windspire will generate about 2,000 kWh over the course of a year. The thin profile of the Windspire allows customers to easily scale-up the number of turbines to meet higher energy needs.

Windspires are currently manufactured in Michigan and are available through a network of certified dealers who are trained to do site evaluations, installations, and to facilitate permitting and local rebate redemptions. Visit www.windspireenergy.com to learn more, or to locate a dealer near you.