Mitsubishi/TPI Wind Blade Factory Triples Capacity in Mexico
Warren, Rhode Island - April 3, 2007 - VienTek LLC (VienTek), a joint venture between Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc. (MPS) and TPI Composites, Inc. (TPI), has launched plans to triple the capacity of their wind blade manufacturing operation in Juarez, Mexico from 400MW to 1200MW per year.
When this expansion is complete in October 2007, VienTek will have two plants on one campus with a total of 500,592 square feet of manufacturing space and 800 employees. VienTek has taken control of the complete 45 acre land site which provides space for even further expansion.
VienTek manufactures 30M class blades for the MPS MWT62 turbine and has begun to manufacture 45M class blades for Mitsubishi's MWT92 and MWT95 turbines. VienTek manufactures blades using TPI's patented SCRIMP® process technology, a highly advanced form of vacuum infusion. VienTek also manages a 15 acre blade storage facility in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
"MPS has launched a significant expansion plan for all of our key wind turbine components, including blades from VienTek, to provide for the growth of our wind business" said Ichiro Itoh, senior vice president of MPS. "We continue to be very pleased with the performance of the VienTek joint venture".
"We are thrilled with the growth of the wind industry and stand ready to provide blades to meet MPS' needs from our VienTek operation." said Steven C. Lockard, president and chief executive officer of TPI and VienTek. "We are proud to be able to expand our partnership with MPS, one that started more than 5 years ago".
About MPS
Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and is a world class leader in the supply of power plant equipment. Wind turbine generators are a major product line with systems available in ratings of 1.0MW and 2.4MW (new). MPS is headquartered near Orlando, Florida with their wind business unit headquartered in Newport Beach, California.
About TPI Composites, Inc.
TPI Composites, Inc., headquartered in Warren, Rhode Island, is a leading manufacturer of large-scale composite structures for the wind energy, transportation, and military vehicle markets. The company operates factories in Warren, Rhode Island; Springfield, Ohio; and Juarez, Mexico. For more information click on www.tpicomposites.com.
