Glasgow based wind turbine company Gaia-Wind, has swept the board in the annual survey of US small wind turbine industry professionals. Less than a year since launching a US export drive, the Gaia-Wind 133-11kW has been given the best rating of the top 24 turbines available in the US.
The annual survey, by top US renewables information organisation HomePower, was conducted among 65 US installation companies "who are active and earning a living in the small wind industry".
Installer were asked to "grade" the turbines and the level of service manufacturers provide. The questions, included:
Manufacturer’s pre-sales response B+
Overall quality of the product A
Completeness of order A
Ease of Serviceability A
Post-sales technical support A
Reliability of system A
Gaia-Wind not only received the highest grading overall but was the only company to receive an overall "A" grade.
The news was welcomed by Glasgow MSP Bob Doris MSP who said: The exceptionally high quality of the Gaia-Wind product is confirmed by this survey. "The company’s recent investment in the site at Port Dundas proves their commitment to their Glasgow base, and I believe their ambitious growth targets will be all the more achievable for having received this accolade.
"This company has a big future here in Glasgow, as Scotland sets to become the renewables powerhouse of Europe. The Scottish Government wants to attract the best companies to Glasgow to get early investment in the green technology revolution, and to secure decent, high-value jobs for the city."
The accolade comes as Gaia-Wind is pushing for more US presence at the prestigious Windpower 2011 conference, this year being held in the Anaheim Convention Centre, California.
MD Johnnie Andringa said: "This is a tremendous boost. We are just at the start of our campaign to establish ourselves in the States, so it’s great to see that a Scottish company can not only compete but beat the opposition on their home ground. We are committed to growing our business based on quality, excellence, innovation all along the supply chain and value so we are pleased and proud to see reflected in the American industry’s industry view."
Ronnie Scotland of Scottish Enterprise said: "This is great news for Gaia-Wind, and is testament to the company’s leadership and ambition. Gaia-Wind is a truly global company and this announcement further endorses the real innovation and strength of our renewables industry."
