NAPERVILLE, Ill., Aug. 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broadwind Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:BWEN) today announced that it has appointed Mark E. Simon as vice president of drivetrain services. Simon has more than 20 years of hands-on experience in implementing Lean and world-class techniques in manufacturing, engineering and operations. He will lead Broadwind's megawatt (MW) and kilowatt (KW) gearbox refurbishment, KW nacelle rebuilds, field inspections, uptower repairs and turbine oil change service offerings. Simon will report to Paul Seppanen, president of Broadwind's Energy Maintenance Service subsidiary.
"Mark's hiring is a key step in the roll out of our technically differentiated drivetrain services approach, which integrates turbine monitoring, field service, performance enhancing engineering and refurbishment," said Seppanen. "With deep experience in leading both gearbox refurbishment programs and nationwide services businesses, Mark can help us expand our Precision and Repair Engineering (PRE) capabilities into MW gearboxes. His experience and focus on customers and continuous improvement will be a tremendous asset. We are delighted to have Mark on board."
Simon stated, "Once online, Broadwind's state-of-the-art wind turbine drivetrain services center will offer customers robust precision repair and engineering options in North America. Broadwind is a leader in the wind energy supply chain—I am pleased to join the team."
Simon most recently served as chief operating officer of the wind energy service provider and manufacturer Knight and Carver Wind Group. Prior to this, he held positions of increasing responsibility in the aftermarket drivetrain and components industry.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and an Associate degree in industrial arts from El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas.
Simon will be based at Broadwind's Abilene, Texas-based wind turbine drivetrain services center, which is expected to come online at the end of 2010.
About Broadwind Energy, Inc.
Broadwind Energy, Inc., based in Naperville, Illinois, provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. Broadwind's product and service portfolio provides customers, including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers and wind farm operators, with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. These product and service offerings include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, Precision Repair and Engineering services, and logistics. For more information on Broadwind Energy, please visit http://www.bwen.com
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CONTACT: Broadwind Energy, Inc. Media & Investor Contact John Segvich +1.630.637.0315 john.segvich@bwen.com