Vantaa, Finland, August 18, 2014 – The Switch, a supplier of megawatt-class permanent magnet (PM) generator and full-power converter packages for wind power and other renewable energy applications, has received repeat PM shaft generator orders from WE Tech Solutions of Finland, a customer in the marine sector, one of the company’s core business areas. This repeat order signals a strong belief in the company and provides a solid order backlog as The Switch continues to advance drive train technology under new ownership of Japan-based Yaskawa Electric Corporation (“Yaskawa”).
WE Tech Solutions of Finland placed another order for seven PM shaft generators that will be delivered to their end-customers Terntank Rederi AS of Denmark and Torvald Klaveness of Norway. To adapt to the various power requirements of the customers, The Switch will deliver the PMM 1000 shaft generators in two different lengths. Moreover, the orders comply with two different marine classification societies.
This order from a key customer in the marine sector provides 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
The Switch is a pioneer in advanced drive train technology based on megawatt-class permanent magnet motors, generators and frequency converter packages. The main focus areas are marine, wind, 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 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 WE Tech Solutions
WE Tech Solutions is a Finnish clean-tech company that develops, sells and delivers energy efficient solutions for the global shipping industry. The energy-efficient solutions of WE Tech are suitable for upgrading existing ships as well as for new builds. WE Tech brings the next level in energy efficient shipping. For more information, visit www.wetech.fi.
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/.
