Vestas RRB to invest Rs 100 cr in WEG facility in Chennai

New Delhi, July 31 (UNI) Wind-electric generator manufacturing major Vestas RRB India Ltd, today said it is in the advanced stage of commencing construction of a state-of-the-art Wind Electric Generator (WEG) blade manufacturing facility in Chennai, and will invest Rs 100 crore in its expansion.

In Phase I, entailing an investment of around Rs 35 crore, the company will produce 23-meter long WEG Blades by April 2007.

In the first year, the company plans to manufacture 350 sets of blades, while during the second year, it plans to produce 700 sets of blades.

The Phase II investment of around Rs 65 crore will be for expanding the facility, to cater to production of higher capacity WEGs.

''To match the rising demand for WEGs across the globe, we at Vestas RRB are establishing a strong network of sales offices world-wide. With the new facility, we are committed to produce high-end WEGs suitable for the international market,'' Vestas RRB India Ltd MD Rakesh Bakshi said.

The company had already put up a 225 kW WEG at the site to provide captive power for the facility, which will also have an array of the latest solar and energy efficient devices to make it environment friendly.

Rainwater harvesting and waste water management has been incorporated in the design, and the company also has comprehensive landscaping and horticulture plans.

The company also plans to venture into the international market, and has established an authorised sales company, which has world-wide sales network to market their products in Europe, Canada, US and South America.

Vestas RRB WEGs, which are of the 'Pitch Regulated' type are based on the well-known and world proven Vestas technology. They are equipped with microprocessor-controlled pitch regulation, ensuring continuous and optimal adjustment of the angles of the blades in relation to the prevailing wind.

Aiming to become a leader of the Wind Energy Sector, Vestas RRB foresees a potential of 50 to 100 MW this year for International sales.

This year, the company expects to make 200 MW for the India market. The production capacity at Vestas RRB present facility is 300 MW turbines a year.

Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the technology provider for the company's blade manufacturing facility uses proprietary pre-preg reinforced glass material to make WEG Blades.

In India more than 1500 Vestas Type WEGs of various capacities are operating successfully at different locations in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan.

Vestas RRB offers total custom-built turnkey solutions in the area of harnessing Wind Energy for Power generation, including site selection, micrositing, preparation of detailed project report, project engineering, erection, commissioning and after sales service of the wind power projects.

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