A leading manufacturer of wind turbine gears is enjoying a 60 percent increase in output thanks to Wheelabrator Group, market leaders in surface preparation solutions.

Due to expansion, the Finnish based manufacturer required additional machinery to treat turbine components and keep up with growing business demands.

Having purchased a rotary table wheelblast machine from Wheelabrator in 2002 to clean turbine gearboxes and systems, the company approached Wheelabrator Group immediately when it needed additional machinery to expand its production line and take advantage of the potential business benefits.

During manufacture, the turbine gearboxes and systems pick up scale through a heat treatment process. The rotary table wheelblast machines are used to remove media from components up to two metres in diameter and length. Once treated and cleaned the gears form part of a wind turbine, allowing it to change direction with the wind.

Due to its suitability in cleaning large, heavy and awkward to handle components, a table type wheel blast machine was the ideal solution. Easy access to the machine allows the parts to be loaded onto the table within the blast chamber with minimal effort. The table then rotates under the blast stream from one or two blast wheels allowing maximum exposure and a high production efficiency.

Chris Beaumont, Scandinavian Regional Manager at Wheelabrator Group said: “Our longstanding relationship with such a major player in the wind energy market is a testament to the quality and effectiveness of Wheelabrator’s designs and processes. The two new machines will see output increased by 60 percent and fully support the company’s expansion plans, with strong demand in the wind energy market.”

Wheelabrator Group owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace and automotive industries. Further information can be found at www.wheelabratorgroup.com

Notes for Editors

2008 marks the date Wheelabrator Group celebrates 100 years of technological excellence, product innovation and increased customer profits. Wheelabrator Group is the world-leading designer and manufacturer of surface preparation solutions, and their global experience allows them to provide customers with the best practices at the most competitive prices. Their equipment is supported by an extensive after-market service of spare parts, maintenance, training, machine refurbishment, relocation, abrasive media and consumables through Wheelabrator Plus, the support and supply division of Wheelabrator Group.