"Collaborating with a world-class provider of design and manufacturing capabilities represents an important next step in our growth as it will allow us to address existing demand and significant long-term market potential for our laser wind sensor and future products," said Phil Rogers, President and CEO of Catch the Wind Ltd. "BreconRidge brings extensive fibre-optic expertise, a reputation for working closely with developers of new, innovative technology, and a proven ability to quickly ramp up production. We look forward to working with BreconRidge and bringing the Vindicator(R) LWS to market."
Under the terms of the manufacturing services agreement signed by both companies, BreconRidge will produce and assemble the Vindicator(R) LWS at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Ottawa, Canada. BreconRidge will also provide technical, engineering, design and other professional services related to the manufacture of the Vindicator(R) LWS.
"BreconRidge is pleased to be involved in the commercialization of such a sophisticated optical product as the Vindicator(R) Laser Wind Sensor. We look forward to leveraging our design and manufacturing competencies in electro-optical integration and ruggedized design in support of Catch the Wind," said Cyril McKelvie, President and CEO of BreconRidge.
The Vindicator(R) LWS uses laser technology combined with Doppler radar techniques to analyze air particle movement and determine wind speed and direction. The use of Vindicator(R) LWS is primarily intended for improving the performance of wind turbines, resulting in more energy production and reduced maintenance costs.
Catch the Wind expects to begin shipment of its fully qualified production Vindicator(R) LWS units in early 2010.
CTW and Gamesa Agree to Launch Collaborative R&D Project
Catch the Wind Ltd. (TSX-V: CTW.S), developer and manufacturer of the Vindicator® laser wind sensor (LWS) and other sensor products, announced today that it has signed a research and development agreement with Gamesa, a worldwide leading manufacturer of wind turbines.
The two companies have mutually agreed to determine the feasibility of using a Vindicator® LWS unit mounted on an operating Gamesa G8X 2.0 megawatt turbine for performing forward wind measurement functionalities.
“Our agreement with Gamesa is a significant breakthrough for us,” said Phil Rogers, President and CEO of Catch the Wind, Inc. “Working closely with one of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers will allow us to develop a stronger understanding of all facets of the wind energy market.”
“In the Gamesa Technology Development, our mission is to evaluate any potential emerging technology that could be of interest. In this case, we will determine the extent to which these leading edge measuring devices can help our turbines to produce more and in better conditions,” said a Gamesa technology spokesman.
The project will take place on a commercial wind farm located in the US, still to be determined.
About BreconRidge
BreconRidge is a world-class provider of innovative design and manufacturing services for electronic products. With facilities located in North America and Asia, BreconRidge collaborates with the world’s leading communications, industrial, medical, aerospace and defense OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Specializing in RF, microwave and optical technologies and applications, BreconRidge delivers a complete range of life cycle services from collaborative design, new product introduction, supply chain management, process and test engineering, DFx services, manufacturing, repair, distribution and reverse logistics. For more information visit www.breconridge.com.
About Catch the Wind Ltd.
Catch the Wind Ltd. is a high-growth technology company headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. The company was founded in 2008 to develop and manufacture the Vindicator(R) laser wind sensor.
Catch the Wind serves the commercial market sector for laser based wind sensor systems, recognized as the "gold standard" in wind measurement. The company is focused on becoming a major contributor in making clean, renewable wind energy more affordable and profitable. For more information, visit www.catchthewindinc.com.
About Gamesa
Gamesa is a company specializing in sustainable energy technologies, mainly wind power. It is the leading company in Spain and situated among the world’s three most important wind turbine generator manufacturers. Gamesa has installed more than 16,000 MW of its main product lines in 20 countries spread out over four continents. The annual equivalent of this production amounts to more than 3.45 million tons of petroleum (TPE) per year and prevents the emission into the atmosphere of over 24 million tons of CO2 a year.
The Company has production centres located in Europe, China and the United Sates with an international workforce of around 7,000 employees. Gamesa USA has two manufacturing centers in Fairless Hills and Ebensburg, Pennsylvania with roughly 900 people employed in the U.S. The company is represented by the United Steelworkers Union.
