windadmin posted on October 22, 2009 13:09
LANSING, Mich. – A new partnership is preparing to take the wind energy industry by storm.
Dowding Machining LLC of Eaton Rapids, Mich., and MAG Industrial Automation Systems of
Sterling Heights, Mich., have formed a partnership to engineer and manufacture advanced
alternative energy technologies, beginning with wind turbine components. The partnership,
which operates as Astraeus, already is making a global impact, with significant interest from
Asian and European countries.
“We are very pleased with our partnership with MAG. They are a world leader in machine tool
manufacturing. Together we have developed and engineered new processes that can make wind energy much more cost-competitive with other sources of energy,” said Jeff Metts, president of Dowding Machining. “We know how to make things at Dowding, and with our emphasis on wind energy this is a perfect fit.”
The name Astraeus is from Greek mythology. Astraeus was the father of the four winds. It is a
fitting name for a company developing new ways to manufacture wind turbine components and
other alternative energy technology.
“Our propriety engineering and systems and machine tool design have generated significant
interest in all of our served markets. We plan on producing some of the components by the
middle of next year,” said Roger W. Cope, president of the Strategic Business Development
Group of MAG.
Initially, Astraeus plans to machine the hub of the wind turbine – a large casting to which the
blades are attached. The best production lines now typically take 20 to 24 hours to produce one hub. Astraeus expects to reduce that time to about four hours per hub with its new technology.
The most notable engineering feat will be to manufacture the blades for wind turbines in an
automated process utilizing either fiberglass or composites such as carbon fiber. Blades now are made primarily by hand using fiberglass, which leaves them prone to imperfections and weight variations that can cause serious problems over the life of the blade.
“We are aware of several wind turbine manufacturers that are facing significant warranty and
replacement costs due to blade failure. These blades are so large and heavy that the fiberglass is just not holding up,” Metts said. “If this problem is not solved, it could threaten the viability of the industry. That’s why our solution and process is so significant.”
Astraeus management and organization will be announced in the coming months. It is expected that the production of components will ramp up very quickly and numerous facilities will be put to use in and around Michigan to meet the demand. Astraeus also expects to open global facilities to supply worldwide demand.
About Dowding Machining
Dowding Machining LLC is a precision machine solutions provider for large components and
is an affiliate of Dowding Industries, Inc., a woman-owned manufacturer of progressive die
stampings, metal fabrications, and welded assemblies. Located just south of Lansing, Mich. in
Eaton Rapids, Dowding Industries was founded in 1965.
About MAG
MAG Industrial Automation Systems is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. The company offers a comprehensive line of equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation and controls, and core components. Key industrial markets served by these technologies include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining.
With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG ranks as a
leader in the capital equipment market. A growing number of leading international companies
are relying on the impressive innovation power of MAG to assure their technological leadership and prepare for future challenges.