BlueWind expands composite nacelle production facilities in Pensacola
Internally dubbed Sears II, the 40,000-square-foot addition will be used to store raw materials and prepare infusion kits, with new equipment investments to prepare for increased demand in the wind sector in 2024.
Jean Zolet and Carlos Sinhori. Photo Credit: BlueWind
(Pensacola, Fla., U.S.), specializing in the manufacture of high-performance composite materials and nacelle covers for wind applications, is expanding its facilities in Pensacola and investing in new equipment. A new, 40,000-square-foot air-conditioned space just a few miles from the company’s 60,000-square-foot production facility will be used for storing raw materials, preparing infusion kits and assembling products.
The expansion also includes acquiring equipment, such as new CNC lines, to increase BlueWind’s core preparation capability and equipment to automate the cutting and kitting of fabrics and mats (fiberglass and carbon fiber). In total, the equipment investment will reach $2 million.
Jean Zolet, CEO of BlueWind, states that the expansion will be completed in February 2024. It aims to accompany the company’s organic growth and the expected increase in demand from the North American wind energy generation sector. “These new machines will help us improve our performance,” Zolet says.
“We are preparing to include a new nacelle cover model into our portfolio. Furthermore, the new space will allow us to expand our industrial engineering sector,” adds Carlos Sinhori, industrial director of BlueWind. In 2024, he expects that the company will keep investing in lean manufacturing, hence the need for more space.
Internally called Sears II, the new warehouse will guarantee the opening of significant space in BlueWind's current facilities (Sears I). Adding two more tooling sets of nacelle cover will be possible thanks to the high ceilings.
“The additional space we will have at Sears I will also allow BlueWind to reach, develop and manufacture parts and products for new customers in other market segments,” notes Zolet.
In July 2023, the company celebrated the production of 1,500 composite nacelle covers in just 40 months using one set of molds.
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