Permanent magnet (PM) technology has some clear benefits also for marine applications. Since fuel prices have gone up by 30% in only 2 years and freight rates have remained at about the same level for the past 10 years, energy savings has become hot topic in shipbuilding.
The snow has covered Finland again and there is very little daylight… Regardless, The Switchians are staying busy. Development projects are bustling – and deliveries are being shipped out. At the same time, our Key Account Managers are still bringing orders in… Just as Santa gets ready to do his rounds, our year-end commitments are keeping us focused on the work at hand.
Last month’s HUSUM WindEnergy exhibition gave us firm proof that the wind power business is moving ahead again. We’re seeing movement from all different directions and positive signs that the worst may now be over. Bigger and better turbines are currently being developed to respond to future market requirements.
The wind power business has experienced difficulties over the years in different continents. In 2009, the financial crisis squeezed money from the European market. In 2010, the US market slowed down. And most recently, China cooled in 2011.
We have been able to navigate in this turbulent environment, even though The Switch, too, has experienced challenges. Many potential projects have not turned into the planned volume production. Many of our customers have experienced challenges to enter the market, changed ownership or have given up on the wind turbine business.
We have analyzed our success factors – and come to the conclusion that we embrace certain rights, giving The Switch the freedom and ability to excel even during hard times.
