Romax Technology, a drivetrain and gearbox solutions specialist, and Hansen Transmissions International NV, a wind turbine gearbox designer and manufacturer, have signed an agreement to combine their expertise to wind turbine manufacturers, primarily focused on the Chinese and South-Korean markets. Romax and Hansen will work together to deliver to certain Chinese and South Korean wind turbine manufacturers a complete and technically advanced service for the design, development and supply of state-of-the-art gearboxes for multi MW wind turbines. As quality, time-to-market and cost are the cornerstones of the wind turbine industry going forward, this collaboration between Romax and Hansen aims to meet the requirements of the wind turbine manufacturers for a comprehensive and advanced service. It will include the design, certification and field validation of their wind turbine drivetrains as well as serial supply of the main components through a one-stop service.

The cooperation between Romax and Hansen aims to combine a shorter time-to-market, with high-end standards, plus serial testing and supply. The serial supply can be provided from Hansen's existing production facilities in Asia, including its state-of-the-art assembly and test facility in Tianjin, China. The collaborative agreement is non-exclusive and allows both companies to continue to work independently.

"The wind power industry will continue to experience significant growth over the coming years," says Luc De Proost, chief business development officer at Hansen. "Our partnership with Romax is a clear commitment to strengthening our resources, increasing and enhancing our offering, and targeting best in class time-to-market in the Asian region."

Dr. Stefan Lammens, chief technology officer at Hansen adds, "We are excited by the prospect of developing this complementary relationship with Romax, as it enables Hansen to strengthen our position as one of the leading designers and manufacturers of high quality gear units whilst at the same time bringing our development activity closer to our Asian customers."

Dr. Peter Poon, chief executive officer of Romax, commented: "It is our belief that combining the complementary capabilities and expertise of Hansen and Romax will drive the technical advancement and effective supply of gearboxes to the wind energy industry. At the same time, this is a step forward in the rapid global deployment of next generation wind turbines."