Naxcer Wind Energy Solutions
Similar to the experience of aerospace companies over the last decade, we help wind energy firms realize dramatic reductions in labor and other manufacturing costs by automating the composites manufacturing process. Naxcer Composites expects these cost reductions are now essential to making wind energy a sustainable and profitable energy source. With our ability to reduce cycle times, we enable wind energy turbine manufacturers to go to market more quickly and capture maximum market share. The manufacturing quality control mechanisms and automated processes developed by Naxcer Composites allow our clients to have a greater level of consistency and quality, alleviating premature blade failure issues and leading to repeat orders from satisfied customers.
Transitioning from manual to automated manufacturing control points was critical for reducing labor, tooling and material costs and ultimately maximizing profits. Labor costs are obviously higher in for our manufacturing facility located in Denver, Colorado. In some cases we are asked to compete with firms in less established countries where direct labor expenses are lower. However, the quality of the product may suffer due to high turnover and lack of sufficiently sophisticated skills and proper training of a low-cost workforce. Having access to proper skill sets is especially important in the area of composites, which uses highly complex technologies and requires specialized training and knowledge. Unfortunately, accruing these skills comes at a price. And given the size of the wind turbine blades—which can easily run from 40 to 60 meters in length—remote manufacturing actually increases transportation costs, offsetting much, if not all, of any cost reductions achieved from using a low-cost workforce.
Additionally, aiding, augmenting or replacing human labor with automated systems will improve material utilization due to the accuracy of manufacturing planning systems and the operational precision of the equipment. These continued corporate objectives of Naxcer Composites Group has the potential to significantly reduce manufacturing and material costs to our customers.