Vantaa, Finland, August 19, 2014 – The Switch, a supplier of megawatt-class permanent magnet generator and full-power converter packages for wind power and other renewable energy applications, has received the largest repeat order to date from Runtech Systems of Finland, a long-term customer in the industrial sector, one of the company’s core business areas. This repeat order signals a strong belief in the company and provides a solid order backlog as The Switch continues to advance drive train technology under new ownership of Japan-based Yaskawa Electric Corporation (“Yaskawa”).
Finland-based Runtech Systems placed an order for 40 new high-speed solid rotor machines (SRM), which represents the largest industrial order ever for The Switch with these products. The Switch SRM motors have been used in Runtech’s Ecopump Turbo products since 1996 as a water-free, flexible and energy-efficient vacuum system for the paper industry.
“For our customers, our new owner ensures a solid partner, a firm foundation, an expanded product portfolio and the potential for innovative product R&D,” says Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, President and CEO of The Switch. “For The Switch, Japan represents a vast new market opportunity and untapped potential for our products. Moreover, Yaskawa offers our customers a gateway into Japan for their products.”
This order from a long-term customer in the industrial sector provides momentum for The Switch and Yaskawa System Engineering, one of the three main divisions of Yaskawa, to begin building their common future together.
Yaskawa became the sole owner of The Switch on July 10, 2014 as part of its strategy to grow its System Engineering division’s market share in renewable, marine and industrial applications. Together with The Switch, Yaskawa aims to gain access to new global markets with a wider range of innovative products.
About Runtech Systems
Runtech Systems provides energy-efficient and innovative solutions for the global paper industry. The majority of business comes from vacuum systems for the paper industry, where Runtech is globally one of the leading suppliers with its very energy-efficient Ecopump technology. The other main businesses are in doctoring products and tail threading products for paper, board, tissue and pulp machines. Since being founded in 1989, Runtech has provided the best and most innovative solutions for its customers with many cutting-edge technologies. For more information, visit www.runtech.fi.
About Yaskawa Electric Corporation
Yaskawa Electric provides core technologies focused through the fields of Motion Control, Robotics Automation, and Systems Engineering aimed at enhancing customer return. Since it was founded in 1915, Yaskawa Electric has provided the best in products and technology to the market. From motor applications, advancement of industrial automation, creation of Mechatronics, and cutting edge robotics, Yaskawa has continuously been at the forefront of each era. For more information, visit www.yaskawa.co.jp.