June 24 - Austria's Palfinger and the US-based Fairwind LLC have established a joint venture for the American wind service industry.
The new company FairWind Renewable Energy Services, LLC, in which Palfinger will hold a 51 percent interest, will specialise in servicing wind turbines for the production of electricity.
Palfinger notes that the wind service industry has grown significantly in the USA and Canada, with more than 60,000 onshore wind turbines, requiring regular cleaning, routine service, blade repairs, painting, and inspections.
It says that in order to enhance efficiency, large access platforms have been gradually ousting traditional methods in the USA and claims that the use of large access platforms can double or even triple the efficiency of service and maintenance work, compared to using workman baskets or rope access technicians.
Palfinger will supply access platforms as well as stability and financial power for the joint venture, which will be managed by Fairwind LLC's owners Brett Bain and Brian Edwards.
"This joint venture will open up an additional high-growth sales market for Palfinger's large access platforms in North America," says Herbert Ortner, ceo of Palfinger.
www.palfinger.com
