EWEA’s Loïc Blanchard Addresses Shermco Industries Brussel’s EU Office Opening Event

March 31, 2008 - PRLog -- BRUSSELS – Shermco Industries Inc., a leading provider of rotating apparatus and electrical power system testing, commissioning, repair, maintenance and training to the wind industry, held an opening event for its new Brussels office prior to the upcoming European Wind Energy Conference & Exposition 2008.

Loïc Blanchard, EWEA senior policy advisor, addressed the executive event with a presentation regarding EU energy policy.  He discussed market updates, increased global competition and the resulting increase in opportunities.  Blanchard also covered policy updates, EU regulatory frameworks building stability in markets and increasing confidence for investors, as well as offshore wind updates and forecasts.

“Wind turbine manufacturers are experiencing component bottlenecks which delay wind turbines to the global market.  However, recent investments in the supply chain should satisfy global demand by 2010 for gearboxes, bearings, large forged items such as shafts and carbon fiber for blades,” said M. Blanchard.

Scott Meador, Shermco vice president for the apparatus services division, said, “This is good news for North American wind energy investors.  A stable supply chain in the European Union will release more North American renewable energy investment dollars which creates jobs and economic stability in rural areas.”  

During the meeting, Shermco announced that it has returned over 750 MW to the North American electric grid through wind turbine generator and power distribution repairs.  The generators were repaired for many European and North American partners including: ABB, FPL Energy, GAMESA, GE Wind, Leroy Somer, Suzlon, VEM and Vestas.

“750 MW will supply electricity to over 62,000 homes annually and using wind instead of coal reduces CO2 emissions by 99%, using wind instead of natural gas by 98%.   It’s the right thing to do given the state of global warming.” said Meador.

Shermco executives in attendance were: Pete Sherman, CEO; Ron Widup, executive vice president;, Thad Brown, vice president of engineering services; Chris Perry, sales manager; and Calvin Earp, production manager; and Scott Meador.

ABOUT SHERMCO

Shermco Industries is a provider of safe, reliable testing, repair, professional training, maintenance and analysis of rotating apparatus and electrical power distribution systems and related equipment for the light, medium, and heavy industrial base nationwide.  Founded in 1974 in Dallas, the company is comprised of two strategic business unite; Apparatus Services Division and an Engineering Services Division.  With a corporate location in Irving, Texas, a sales office in Brussels and service centers in Austin and Tulsa, Shermco Industries has over 250 full-time employees and exceeds $50 million in annual revenues.  The company is a member in good standing with the Electrical Apparatus Service Association and the International Electrical Testing Association.  For more information about Shermco Industries, visit their website at www.shermco.com.

Website: www.shermco.com