Leitner Shriram Manufacturing Ltd, an Indo Italian Joint Venture between Shriram EPC and Leitner Technologies, inaugurated a Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) manufacturing facility at Gummidipoondi (near Chennai). Set up with an investment of Rs.200 crores, the facility will have an initial capacity to produce 120 units of MW class turbines per annum. The built up area of the plant is about 2,50,000 sq.ft. and is located on a 20 acre facility at Gummidipoondi (near Chennai). The unit currently employs around 300 people and would provide indirect employment for about 1000 people. The facility has the capability to manufacture various other parts associated with wind turbines including the rotors. The 1.5 MW class Leit wind Turbine, which will be manufactured at the facility, is said to have fewer rotating parts. In addition to the MW class Machines Leitner Shriram wind generators manufactures Shriram 250T, the 250 kilo Watt wind turbines. In the second phase the capacity will be doubled. According to sources the construction work on the second phase is expected to commence in 6 months time. The facility was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Power, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki. Other key dignitaries present at the inauguration include Mr. R. Thyagarajan, Chairman, Shriram Group, Mr. Michael Seeber, President, Leitner Group, Mr. Anton Seeber Director Leitner Group, Mr. T. Shivaraman, MD & CEO Shriram EPC and Mr. P. Ashok, MD, Leitner Shriram Manufacturing Limited. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Leitner Shriram customers, suppliers, associates and employees, who have been instrumental in setting up of this plant. Mr. P Ashok, Managing Director, Leitner Shriram Manufacturing Ltd, said, “It is a very exciting moment for us today. With the international strengths of Leitner Technologies, and Shriram EPC’s local presence, we have been able to set up this Global manufacturing hub for Wind Turbines. This partnership will produce world class gearless wind turbines and enable us to deliver the best in quality for India and the World.” “This partnership is aimed at meeting the needs of the Indian and international customers by offering globally competitive products. This wind turbine generators will help our customers produce quality wind power with high efficiency and low long term costs,” said Mr. Michael Seeber, President, Leitner Technologies Group “Chennai has also proven to be the ideal location for our factory. It took a very short time to get the factory ready and start our production which is very efficient and to our entire satisfaction,” he added. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. T Shivaraman, Managing Director and CEO, Shriram EPC Ltd. said, “Shriram EPC is an integrated infrastructure solutions provider serving the core sectors of the economy and catering to the needs of alternative energy industries.” He added, “Our strong presence in the wind and biomass sectors give us the opportunity to capitalise on industries vital to economic growth contributing to a sustainable and green future. Our joining hands with Leitner has provided us access to a world-class gearless wind turbine and further strengthens our capabilities in this domain.” Shriram EPC, a part of the Chennai based Shriram Group, is a US $ 200 million company that employs over 500 technically qualified personnel including 300 Engineers. LSML Shriram EPC entered into a joint venture agreement Leitner Group on February 3, 2007 for setting up SLL for the purposes of marketing and sale of wind turbines and development of wind farm projects. SEPC holds 51% of the capital of SLL and 49% is held by Leitwind BV. Wind energy has so far been the most developed section in the renewable energy sector in India. Estimates suggest that India has the potential to generate 45,000 MW of wind power while counter estimates raise the bar to anywhere between 60,000-80,000 MW. Currently, the country has commissioned capacity in excess of 10,000 MW. Wind is currently the most competitive source of large scale renewable energy. Since these wind farms are set up in rural areas, it generates opportunities for employment in the form of electrical, civil and mechanical engineers and technicians. The total capacity installed in India is 10,134 MW as of 31st March 2009.

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