Palfinger in wind energy JV

Palfinger and the USA-based Fairwind, headquartered in Lawton, Oklahoma, have set up a joint venture for the wind service industry.

The new company FairWind Renewable Energy Services, in which Palfinger will hold a 51% interest, will specialise in servicing wind turbines using truck mounted platforms. The use of large access platforms can double or even triple the efficiency of service and maintenance work, said the Palfinger. To date, workman baskets or ropes have been the main methods of access.

“The wind service industry has grown significantly in the USA and Canada. All in all, there are now more than 60,000 onshore wind turbines there, requiring regular cleaning, routine service, blade repairs, painting, and inspections. In order to enhance efficiency, large access platforms have been gradually ousting traditional methods in the USA,” said a Plafinger spokesperson.

Fairwind employs around 25 experts in the servicing of wind and oil industry equipment. The joint venture established with Palfinger, will specialise in the maintenance of wind energy plants. In a first step, Palfinger will supply access platforms as well as stability and financial resources. The new company will be managed by Fairwind LLC’s owners Brett Bain and Brian Edwards and will start operations on 1 July.

“This joint venture will open up an additional high-growth sales market for Palfinger’s large access platforms in North America. What we and the owners and managers of Fairwind LLC have in common is a similar corporate culture. To us, this joint venture is a forward integration in the world’s largest market,” commented Herbert Ortner, CEO of Palfinger AG.