Vantaa, Finland, September 2, 2014 – The Switch, a supplier of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator and full-power converter packages for wind power and other renewable energy applications, has received repeat orders worth several millions of euros from major customers in the company’s core business area of wind. These repeat orders signal a strong belief in the company and provide a solid order backlog as The Switch continues to advance drive train technology under new ownership of Japan-based Yaskawa Electric Corporation (“Yaskawa”).
The Switch received repeat orders from major customers in China and Europe for both 1.5 MW full-power converters and permanent magnet (PM) generators. A rapid delivery time for the full-power converters helped The Switch close the deal with one Chinese customer.
These orders from long-term customers in wind provide momentum for The Switch and Yaskawa System Engineering, one of the three main divisions of Yaskawa, to begin building their common future together.
“For our customers, our new owner ensures a solid partner, a firm foundation, an expanded product portfolio and the potential for innovative product R&D,” says Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO of The Switch. “For The Switch, Japan represents a vast new market opportunity and untapped potential for our products. Moreover, Yaskawa offers our customers a gateway into Japan for their products.”
Yaskawa became the sole owner of The Switch on July 10, 2014 as part of its strategy to grow its System Engineering division’s market share in renewable, marine and industrial applications. Together with The Switch, Yaskawa aims to gain access to new global markets with a wider range of innovative products.
About The Switch
With 7 GW of installed wind power capacity, The Switch is a pioneer in advanced drive train technology based on megawatt-class permanent magnet machine and converter packages. The main focus areas are wind, marine, solar and special industrial solutions. The company’s innovative drive trains make an impact on profitable power generation and energy use, with the ultimate goal of lowering the cost of energy and operations. Starting in 2006, The Switch reported net sales of EUR 46.2 million in 2013. The Switch is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland. For more information, visit www.theswitch.com.
About Yaskawa Electric Corporation
Yaskawa Electric provides core technologies focused through the fields of Motion Control, Robotics Automation, and Systems Engineering aimed at enhancing customer return. Since it was founded in 1915, Yaskawa Electric has provided the best in products and technology to the market. From motor applications, advancement of industrial automation, creation of Mechatronics, and cutting edge robotics, Yaskawa has continuously been at the forefront of each era. For more information, visit http://www.yaskawa.co.jp/.
