SGL Rotec is a joint venture between the SGL Group (51%), of Weisbaden, Germany, a manufacturer of carbon fibre and other carbon-based products, and German shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen Schiffsbau- und Yachtwerft (49%).

According to the SGL Group, the agreement with BARD Emden Energy GmbH & Co KG has an initial term of five years with a "low triple-digit million € order volume." It includes the delivery of moulds and production equipment for upcoming wind farms of the BARD Group.

In addition to the first German commercial offshore wind farm project 'BARD Offshore 1,' BARD has received approval for three offshore wind farms in the Netherlands. The BARD Offshore 1wind farm includes 80 turbines and it will start to supply power to the grid in 2010.

“This long-term agreement is a major step not only for SGL Rotec as an independent producer and specialist for large rotor blade manufacture but also for the entire offshore market," Dr Jan Verdenhalven, Head of SGL Group’s CFC Business Unit. "Top quality plays a decisive role, particularly in the offshore sector, which is difficult to penetrate. This collaboration with BARD will give SGL Rotec the opportunity to further enhance its expertise in the development of manufacturing techniques as well as the manufacture of high-quality rotor blades, thus reinforcing the company’s position in this growth market over the long term.“

“We have received approvals for over 300 wind mills including the new projects in the Netherlands and the German North Sea 'Veja Mate’ resulting in a high demand for wind rotor blades in the years to come," reports Frank Hagemeister, CEO of BARD Emden Energy GmbH & Co KG. "With SGL Group as a strong partner we are in a good position to react fast when the offshore market takes off.”