Broadwind Energy forms custom gearbox division

Cicero-based Broadwind Energy announced the expansion of its gearing segment Brad Foote Gear with the formation of a custom gearbox division.

The new division leverages more than 90 years of experience and the latest design software to produce high-quality, engineered gear drives for industrial applications. The company specializes in high reliability and critical risk application and can expertly design and manufacture parallel, right angle and planetary drives up to 16 million inch pounds of torque.

Rick Tallerico, vice president of operations and engineering, will be leading this newly created division, according to Gearing segment President Dan Schueller. Tallerico has over 30 years of gear manufacturing experience.

"We optimize design, manufacture components and perform internal testing at Brad Foote," Schueller said. "All gearboxes and components are 100 percent inspected to stringent specifications and our ultrasonic, magnetic particle and full metallurgical testing in-house ensures we meet our customers' demands for high-quality and reliable products. We are the total solution for our customers' gearbox needs."

The gearing segment has seen a turnaround with the recovery in oil and gas, mining and other industrial markets in both loose gearing and gearbox work. Orders for the segment in 2017 totaled $37 million, a 150 percent increase compared to 2016 due mainly to the rebound in the oil and gas industry and successful penetration of a number of new accounts.

"Given the rising strength in our end markets, our visibility has improved tremendously," said Broadwind CEO Stephanie Kushner. "We have a talented and dedicated team focused on providing full service gearbox offerings to help grow the business and meet our strategic goals around customer diversification, growth and profitability."