The essential journalist news source
Back
23.
August
2016.
Don’t wind up paying for weak windfarm warranties, warns expert

 
 PRESS RELEASE

Release date: 23rd August 2016

 

Don’t wind up paying for weak windfarm warranties, warns expert

 

Energy businesses are being warned to keep an eye on their windfarm warranties and schedule regular maintenance in order to avoid costly equipment failures.

 

The warning comes from hydraulics specialist MGR Fluid Power at a time when a multibillion pound windfarm project off the Grimsby coast has just been given the green light. But according to the hydraulics specialist, any investment in turbines could be wasted if operators do not keep an eye on warranty information, and fail to commission regular maintenance.

 

Mike Retford, Managing Director at MGR Fluid Power explained: “The UK is really starting to invest in wind energy, but very few turbines are actually manufactured here. The majority are produced overseas. The problem with this is that in the event of a hydraulic or mechanical failure, often the manufacturer and installer cannot be traced easily, or may have gone out of business. Even if they are trading, by the time they address a failure, it can turn into an expensive repair job. The best way to prolong the life of turbines is by having them regularly maintained, and there are businesses that can do this in the UK.

 

MGR Fluid Power is one of these businesses, and will be exhibiting at this year’s RWM 2016 event, set to take place at Birmingham NEC between 13th-15th September, where it will be demonstrating its circular economy approach to hydraulic lifecycle services. Not only is the company capable of manufacturing complete hydraulic systems for renewable applications from its production facility in the UK, but it also provides maintenance services for existing hydraulic products out in the field, in addition to an overhaul and repair service. The manufacturer can also take existing products and reverse engineer new replacements from scratch.

 

Mike Retford says this circular economy approach is important when you consider the detailed warranties that come with wind turbines. A typical warranty will last only between 2-10 years and rarely do manufacturers offer long term agreements. It’s also not uncommon for warranties to have a void clause in the event of an operator failing to carry out regular maintenance on the turbine, or attempting their own repairs, without using a specialist.

 

Mike Retford concluded: “It’s a good idea to be aware under what circumstance the warranty becomes void, and stay on top of this. In most cases the best way to prolong the life of these turbines is through regular maintenance and attention. If a turbine is produced overseas, that doesn’t mean you have go abroad for maintenance, there are businesses in the domestic market that can service this equipment to a very high standard.”

 

 

MGR Fluid Power will be exhibiting at RWM 2016 at stand C43, for more information on the event or to register to attend visit: http://www.rwmexhibition.com/content/How-can-UKTI-help-your-business-grow

 

 

- Ends -

About MGR Fluid Power

MGR Fluid Power is a hydraulics specialist providing solutions in the UK and overseas. The company is led by Mike Retford, an engineer with over 20 years’ experience in hydraulic solutions. MGR has been part of the global Torishima Group since 2012, and has significantly expanded its order book as well as developed a range of new UK-manufactured products. Based in the Midlands, the company has customers across the UK with such notable names as Ecosse Subsea Systems, Wilton Engineering Services, Rolls Royce, Meggitt, BAE Systems.

 

For further information, please contact:-

Editorial – Mike Retford, Managing Director, MGR Fluid Power on +44 (0) 1926 420847, or John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on +44 (0) 24 76 520025, or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk.

 

Website: www.mgrfluidpower.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgr-fluid-power-ltd