Martifer Energy Systems, part of Martifer Group, and Hirschfeld Wind Energy Solutions, part of Hirschfeld Industries, on June 19 announced the creation of a joint venture for the manufacture of wind towers and related components in the United States of America to serve the North American markets.
The joint venture, which will be named Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems LLC, will be equally held by each party.
Initially, the joint venture will develop a factory in San Angelo, Texas, for the production of steel towers for wind turbine generators. This investment was up until now developed solely by Martifer Energy Systems, and represents a total investment of about 40 million US Dollars and the creation of 225 jobs. The investment will be done in two stages, with the first stage representing an investment of about 30 million US Dollars, with completion expected for the second quarter of 2010. Ultimately, the factory is expected to reach a capacity of 400 towers a year by 2013.
This joint venture brings together the expertise of Martifer Group in the manufacturing of wind power components and the local footprint and extensive experience in infrastructure fabrication of Hirschfeld.
António Pontes, CEO of Martifer Energy Systems and executive director of Martifer, said: “We are very pleased with this agreement. Hirschfeld brings a lot of expertise to this project, they are based in San Angelo so they have extensive local and market knowledge and that will speed up the start up process. This will allow us to fully benefit from the strong development of the wind power sector we are witnessing in the US right now.”
Dennis Hirschfeld, CEO of Hirschfeld Industries, said, “We have studied the wind tower and equipment market for some time before deciding to enter this market. We found the right partner, at the right time to enter this market, and look forward to capitalizing on our US 'know-how,' as well as on Martifer Energy Systems' globally respected name as an excellent supplier to the wind industry.”
Martifer Energy Systems, based in Oliveira de Frades, Portugal, has a vast experience in wind power. Through various manufacturing units it produces towers, coverings and gearboxes for wind turbines and through a joint venture with REpower Systems AG of Germany, a leading designer and manufacturer of wind turbines, assembles REpower designed wind turbines in Portugal. Martifer Energy Systems also builds wind farms for third parties. Martifer Energy Systems is part of the Martifer Group, with activity in metallic construction, energy systems, electricity generation and biofuels. The Martifer Group is present in more than 20 countries, employs over 3,000 people and in 2008 reached consolidated revenues of more than 900 million Euros (about US$1.25 billion). Martifer Group is present in North America since 2007.
Headquartered in San Angelo, Texas, Hirschfeld is one of the largest fully integrated fabricators of highly engineered structural steel components in North America. Fabricating more than 100,000 tons of steel annually, Hirschfeld serves a wide range of end markets including transportation infrastructure, industrial development, commercial construction and power generation. With 11 facilities providing a national presence and an industry-leading footprint, the company is a major participant in the expansion and redevelopment of the U.S. transportation and energy infrastructure systems, for both government-funded and private enterprises.