UpWind Solutions

UpWind Solutions is the leading independent service provider of wind power services in North America, helping wind farm owners maximize their profitability and establishing wind energy as a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. O&M Excellence Powered by UpWind Insight™ ensures owner ROI is maximized through more production, lower operating costs, and a longer asset life. UpWind's Services: 1. Maintenance - Safe, quality, innovative reliability centered maintenance for scheduled services, trouble shooting, and minor correctives. 2. Parts - Fleet, site, and turbine solutions for original parts, inventory management, and engineered alternatives for all major turbine technologies. 3. UpWind Insight™ - Big data management, analytics, reports, and smart tech applications for superior services across the O&M value chain. 4. Repairs & Upgrades - Major component failure analysis, repairs, upgrades and pro-active programs for blades, gearboxes, generators and other components. 5. Technical Support - Advanced technical support for due diligence, development, remote operations, inspections, SCADA, CBM, MET, BOP, and asset management.

UPWIND’S STORY

UpWind Solutions was established in 2007 with the objective of filling a much needed gap in the wind industry. Wind farm owners were limited to O&M services provided by the original manufacturer (OEM) who were not transparent or aligned with the interest of the owner. UpWind filled the gap by building an ISP that set goals, contracts, and drove innovations to meet the needs of the owner, not the turbine manufacturer. “The only true independent full service provider remaining in the US” (Source MAKE “Global Wind Turbine O&M” Sector Report 30 June 2014)

UpWind signed their first O&M deal in 2008 and has since expanded what an ISP of O&M services can provide. In 2009, they were the first to include full service agreements with warranty services, then they added parts and logistics capabilities in 2011, engineering services and 24/7 remote operations in 2012, and the latest offering UpWind Insight™ which gathers and interprets data to drive better results for the owners.

UpWind had to overcome the perception that the OEM knows the most about the turbine and services the best, where an ISP couldn’t possibly service it better. An ISP can not only match an OEM, but can provide superior service and results through a more diverse technology platform, customer focus, innovation, transparency, key insights, and choices for the owner provided over long term collaborative relationships.

Now, the evolution of UpWind is continuing to drive innovative solutions that extend the asset life, reduce operating expenses, and increasing annual energy production (AEP) for the owner. The way to accomplish those goals is by developing a reliability-centered maintenance strategy for wind farm O&M, redefining the industry once again.

UpWind built “innovation” into the core company values. One of the top company objectives is innovation through new product development and operations. UpWind closely tracks progress with key performance metrics that they measure themselves against regularly. Building innovation into the culture is what keeps UpWind one step ahead in the wind O&M industry.

UpWind’s company culture is based on quality, safety, job satisfaction, employee engagement, and community. UpWind gives back by donating financial and labor resources to the Light the World charity who is bringing electricity via small scale renewable energy systems to areas of the world that are currently living without power.

UpWind understands the value of their people and has built employee recognition and training into the company culture. They have developed programs like You.First, CLIMB, and Leadership Development Program (LDP) that support the team and give them opportunities for more training and growth within the company.

Through these initiatives, UpWind had an overall decrease in employee turnover each year since 2012, had 39 internal employee promotions in 2014, and the employee survey participation has increased from 50% in 2013 to 76% in 2014. The survey had very positive results, with a decrease in the overall negative scores from the previous year. In 2015, approximately 24% of UpWind’s employees will have five or more year’s tenure with the company. The industry often credits UpWind with having the best and brightest people in the field and on the management team.