Taking care

Eric Thormann details the benefits of the fundamental changes our industry is currently experiencing.

“And the key words of the wind power industry are safety, reliability and performance”
-Eric Thormann

Our world is going through a fundamental transformation with incredible business and political challenges. Emerging economies are becoming major players in the international scene, while the unprecedented recession is challenging the concept of globalization. However, these challenges are forcing us to rethink and redefine the way we live.

One of the most significant examples is the incredible boom of the renewable energy segment – more specifically wind energy. Wherever we travel these days, we see wind turbines or trucks zooming to deliver elements of towers throughout the world. And the key words of the wind power industry are safety, reliability and performances.

While cashing in on the never before environment debate and action by governments across the world, this industry is creating job opportunities with a conscious effort on safety during building of, as well as the maintenance of, the turbines.

All actors of the wind industry that I meet are dedicated to safety. Access to sites is highly regulated and PPE is mandatory, and safety training is a genuine part of the culture. During my visit to the sites, I am always impressed by the professionalism of the safety officers. We at Power Climber are extremely proud to be a key contributor in this field, offering access solutions to the wind industry and ensuring the safety at height during installation and maintenance of the turbines. Safety is our business and our passion. We provide Service Lift solution – SHERPA, climb assist system with our recently launched IBEX, as well as, standard and engineered solutions for blade and tower access.

The wind industry is winning the challenge of being one of the most reliable sources of energy. The technology breakthroughs in improving all components of the turbines to make them even more reliable are impressive.

The introduction of Six Sigma and the investments in R&D centers by major OEMs is a proof to this commitment. The increase and improvement in the service capabilities of the actors of the industry is clearly an indication of willingness to manage this challenge. Power Climber brings its contribution to this effort, by designing and providing reliable solutions dedicated to the maintenance and repair of the wind turbines that enable the service teams to perform their tasks with increased productivity.

The ‘MegaWatt Race’ and the adjustment of the type of towers to the configuration of the wind park represent other amazing technological developments. But what is Power Climber’s contribution? Well, the tallest of the towers are the more significant with the need to have access to the nacelle safely and rapidly is critical, and here once more this is our core business.

Since 1972, Power Climber has been providing access solutions to variety of industries. The most significant of them are Construction, Industrial Segment and Wind Energy. The ‘MegaWatt Race’ of the wind industry presents a great opportunity for us to exploit our engineering and technology expertise as an Engineered Access Solutions Specialist.
In addition, our range includes – access solutions for suspended bridges, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, aerospace and military. Our work philosophy is leadership in innovation, safety, reliability and dedication to serve our customers and we can assure that we will not only keep up this commitment but continue to be innovative in our approach to access solutions.

Eric Thormann started his career at Volvo Cars as Services Director for France. In 1997 he joined Carrier UTC as Marketing and Services Director in Paris for the Europe and Middle East region, before restructuring Carrier Sutrak as Managing Director. In 2003 he joined American standard Trane division as Vice President of Services for the Europe Middle East and India region; and since 2007 has been Vice President and Managing Director of Power Climber International, a subsidiary of SafeWorks.