Released on May 31, 2008

Ferrous metalcaster Castech Metallurgy Inc., Thetford Mines, Quebec, Canada, recently won a five-year contract to cast hubs for wind turbine manufacturer AAER Inc., Bromont, Quebec, Canada.

The agreement represents an order of 320 hubs valued at more than $55 million over the first three years of the contract. According to an AAER press release, the castings were previously produced by a European company.

The agreement also involves Castech’s strategic partner Plessitech, Plessisville, Quebec, Canada, which will machine the castings. The finished castings will be delivered to AAER’s Bromont facility before the end of 2008, according to the turbine maker’s production calendar.

Castech general manager Jennifer Poiré said Castech and Plessitech have invested more than $3 million in the past year to gain the capabilities to produce hubs for AAER. To handle the 10-ton, 2.5-m diameter parts designed to hold the blades of a 1 MW wind turbine, the companies purchased three large-capacity induction ovens and auxiliary machinery. The companies also were required to satisfy an evaluation by an outside firm before being awarded the deal.

“We are privileged to work with AAER on a long-term partnership, which allows us to develop business relationships that our common clients, employees and population of our region will benefit from,” Poiré said.

Castech and Plessitech officials expect the partnership to create more than 40 direct jobs at the Thetford Mines and Plessisville facilities. Castech currently employs 100 on its nobake production lines in Thetford Mines.