Woodward signs agreement with REpower to supply wind power converters

Woodward announced on Nov. 11, 2010 that it signed a multi-year agreement with REpower Systems AG, Germany that will substantially increase deliveries of Woodward wind power converters to REpower. As a result of this agreement, Woodward will extend its key supplier relationship to cover REpower's full wind turbine portfolio, including onshore and offshore turbines.

"This agreement significantly strengthens our relationship with REpower, especially in Europe and the US," said Gerhard Lauffer, President, Electrical Power Systems. "As the wind turbine market recovers from the past year, we anticipate solid growth for the market and our power converter business."

Woodward will manufacture the CONCYCLE(R) power converters for REpower at its facilities in Kempen, Germany; Krakow, Poland; and Fort Collins, CO, US. Power converters are a critical component for delivering stable, high-quality power to the grid by controlling the voltage and power from the wind turbine generator, so that voltage and frequency are constant and independent of the variable rotation speed of the wind turbine.

"Woodward is a key supplier for REpower and we are pleased with this extension to our relationship," said Jeroen Kossen, Senior Vice President Global Sourcing of REpower Systems AG.