International cooperation at thyssenkrupp rothe erde

An example from the wind energy – Global presence of rotor bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde

In 2019, China had the world’s largest market for wind energy – both for onshore and offshore wind turbines. thyssenkrupp rothe erde is also participating in the growth of the Chinese market.  The World Wind Energy Council GWEC expects China to be the world’s largest offshore wind power producer region by the end of 2020.

Within the scope of a project with a Chinese customer thyssenkrupp rothe erde is supplying main bearings for the purpose of manufacturing wind turbines. Since the start of the cooperation in 2009, 1200 on- and offshore main bearings were already supplied.

Thanks to the close international cooperation of three subsidiaries thyssenkrupp rothe erde offers customers a high added value and can fulfil comprehensively their individual requirements. The respective competencies of the individual units are used in the best possible way – from technical designs to prototypes and series production, qualification processes to optimum production of the bearings by using available capacities.

Between Germany, Japan and Slovakia

From our plant in Germany, the rings are supplied as a preliminary product. In a second step, they are delivered to Slovakia, where they are turned, hardened and processed further by the subsidiary. Finally, the bearings are drilled, grounded and assembled at the Japanese subsidiary and delivered from the Japanese colleagues to the Chinese customer.

The optimization of the logistics was a real challenge in this project. It had to be ensured that components from different continents arrive in Japan on time. Given by the size of the components, this was not an easy task. However, thanks to the efficient cooperation, thyssenkrupp rothe erde and its subsidiaries mastered this task brilliantly.

Main bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde

Main bearings are one of the most important components of a wind turbine and reliability is therefore of great importance. It was an extreme challenge to transfer all essential production steps to another continent. Since it is a real challenge to travel during the Corona pandemic, personal support and individual trainings on site are almost impossible.

Main bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde are designed individually for the respective plant and its loads. In addition to the precision in production and design, our patented hardening process guarantees that the bearings meet the high demands of the applications.

In this way thyssenkrupp rothe erde accomplishes its part in the energy revolution around the world.

Focus on digitalization – process optimization thanks to international cooperation

Digital technologies are helping to successfully convey know-how and complex processes in this difficult environment. By the use of “Smart Glasses” colleagues in Germany and abroad were able to ensure, in close exchange, the transfer of manufacturing technology as well as regular quality assurance. Processes are constantly optimized by regular virtual meetings with and without the use of Smart Glasses technology, processes are constantly being optimized.

We say: Thumbs up for intercontinental cooperation!