Linamar and NCB Lohmann Form Strategic Alliance to Pursue Wind Turbines Components in North America

Together with Lohmann, a leading manufacturer of wind turbine components in Europe, the companies can work collectively to build and maintain market share as a leader of precision machined turbine components in the region, while providing high-quality, manufacturing solutions that meet specific customer needs.

"We’re pleased to partner with NCB Lohmann on this exciting initiative," said Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar Chief Executive Officer. "Our advanced machining capabilities, coupled with our global manufacturing expertise complement Lohmann’s robust experience in the wind industry," she said. "This opportunity also aligns with Linamar’s continued commitment to diversify and expand our business in the renewable energy sector."

Linamar will manufacture the wind turbine components, which include gearbox housings, planetary carriers, bearing housings and torque arms for large turbines at its Guelph manufacturing facility. The company is investing in facilities, equipment and manpower to accommodate future production.

"We are proud to partner with a professional organization such as Linamar," said Wolfgang Lohmann, Chief Executive Officer, NCB Lohmann. "Our customers will benefit from our longtime experience in the processing of high-precision components for wind turbines, and at the same time they can revert to Linamar to satisfy their local production requirements. Our partnership with Linamar is based on trust, cooperation and conviction, all to help us maintain a long-term business relationship."

Full-scale production of the components is targeted to begin later this year.

Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is a diversified global manufacturing company of highly engineered products powering vehicles, motion, work and lives. The company’s Powertrain and Driveline focused divisions are world leaders in the collaborative design, development and manufacture of precision metallic components, modules and systems for global vehicle and power generation markets. The company’s Industrial division is a world leader in the design and production of innovative mobile industrial equipment, notably its class-leading aerial work platforms and telehandlers. With more than 9,400 employees in 37 manufacturing locations, 5 R&D centers and 11 sales offices in Canada, the US, Mexico, Germany, Hungary, the UK, China, Korea and Japan, Linamar generated sales of close to $1.7 Billion in 2009.

The foundations of today’s NCB Lohmann GmbH were laid in 1908 – four generations ago. The company produces complex, custom powertrain-component machining projects in the rail-transport technology, as well as for general mechanical engineering ventures. NCB Lohmann is a specialist in machining, painting and pre-assembly of transmission parts for wind turbines including pillow blocks, gearboxes, torque arms, planet-carriers and generator-housings for 650KW – 5MW wind turbine parts. 

www.ncb-lohmann.de

www.linamar.com