The world is opting for wind power - manufacturers are opting for Friedberg

FRIEDBERG, one of the leading international manufacturers of fastening systems for wind power plants, is unveiling its broad range of products at the Husum WindEnergy 2010 trade fair. For twenty years, FRIEDBERG fastenings, such as high-strength tower bolt sets up to Ø M72, rotor blade bolt systems and studs, have been demonstrating that they are up to the challenges of this demanding application field.


A family business plans for the future

The family business, which is now being run by its third and fourth generations, recognized the importance of alternative energy sources at an early stage. "We have been working in the field of wind energy for a very long time now, and we have made considerable progress", recalls Ingrid Brand-Friedberg, Managing shareholder of Friedberg. "At the same time, the company has also continued to work in the fields of automotive and vehicle manufacturing, structural engineering and steel construction, and as a manufacturer of fastening technology for machine and plant construction and special products", Brand-Friedberg continues.
With approximately 525 employees worldwide, this innovative medium-sized family company is a typical representative of high-tech products that are "made in Germany" and is therefore a valued development and production partner in the global context: with cutting-edge technology, optimal logistics and perfect references - and not just in wind energy, even though this area is currently setting the technological standards. The company's many years of success are based on a strong customer orientation and an innovative and broad portfolio of products.


A firm grip on new energies

HUSUM WIndEnergy 2010 is taking place under the specific shadow of the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and has thus unexpectedly grown in importance in a wind energy market that in any case is experiencing strong growth - well beyond existing borders.
The public and media interest is accordingly large; halls full of people and a lively demand for technology that is "made in Germany" will shape events at the Friedberg stand, too.
Fastening technology is the backbone of all aspects of wind energy, which has been experiencing unprecedented growth throughout the world. At the same time, the developers and manufacturers of wind power systems are increasingly opting for Friedberg technology, which took the idea of the classic "bolt" into another dimension and gave it new importance some time ago.


A stability pact for twenty years and longer

"With the dynamic loads that affect a wind power system, loose or cracked bolts would be an extremely undesirable potential breaking point", says Stolle, emphasizing the importance of these apparently insignificant components. In order to prevent this, Friedberg has invested heavily over recent years in its own research & development and production and quality management: "The hardness, tensile strength and surface treatment make our bolts truly high-tech fastenings", stresses Beatrix Brand, who represents the fourth generation of the family business. But in recent years Friedberg's investment of several million euros has not only been in modern, computer-controlled production machines; and in future years, too, additional investment of more than 10 million euros is planned. "We have to live up to our reputation", says Ingrid Brand-Friedberg, managing shareholder of Friedberg.


The "wind bolt": a premium high-tech product

"The fastening systems that are now used in literally all areas of wind power have hardly anything in common with traditional bolts as far as quality, manufacturing technology, weight and resilience are concerned," says engineer Carsten Stolle from Research & Development - Application Technology at Friedberg. "The bolts used by Friedberg in the wind power field must meet requirements that can only be described as extreme", Stolle continues. "Friedberg Technology has established itself as a specialist in this field over a number of years now and possesses manufacturing and process technology that has become the stabilizing factor of the wind energy business, as well as extensive experience and logistical expertise", says Martin Jaeger, Manager and Head of Non-Automotive Sales with Friedberg.


"Wind force 8" on the exhibition stand

"Here's what we are hoping for at the fair", says Jaeger. "We are again hoping this year that nearly all of the big manufacturers will come and find out about our "wind bolts" and share their views with us at Friedberg's stand at HUSUM WindEnergy 2010", says Beatrix Brand, Manager and Head of Marketing. "With the new businesses in the USA and Korea, the company is extending its international presence and accessibility - and it has a production site in Brazil, too", Brand continues. The general view seems to be: we are looking forward to the trade fair. "We are looking forward to plenty of interesting discussions and seeing many familiar faces from the 'wind family'". It's always nice to return to Husum when you have been coming here for a long time and have followed the development of Husum and the wind power industry", says Beatrix Brand. See YOU in Husum!


Further information on the Internet at www.august-friedberg.com