KK Wind Solutions enhances US expansion plans

KK Wind Solutions, a EUR 1 billion company owned by A.P. Moller Holding, is expanding its presence in the US. The company is establishing a new US regional division to be led by Kim Wichmann-Hansen, currently Chief Service Officer of KK Wind Solutions. The company is targeting growth in the onshore wind market and the expansion will further enhance its ability to provide high-quality service and monitoring solutions in the US.

"Establishing a regional division led by Kim Wichmann-Hansen strengthens our presence in the US market and deepens our commitment to the American wind industry. Even as the sector is facing political uncertainty, the fundamental value offering of wind energy is strong as ever and we remain optimistic about continued growth in the coming years,” says Mauricio Quintana, CEO of KK Wind Solutions.

A growth market

By the end of 2023, the US had an installed capacity of 157 GW, positioning it as the second-largest wind market in the world. The US Department of Energy projects that the installed wind capacity will grow to 224 GW by 2030.

However, by 2030 the number of onshore wind turbines in the US 15 years or older will triple. For these assets, data-driven insights, high-quality monitoring solutions and expert deployment are crucial for reducing unplanned maintenance and increasing predictable operations.

KK Wind Solutions has been present in the US since 2014. 50% of all the wind turbines spinning in the country contain components manufactured by the company.

“With our decade-long track record as a service provider to manufacturers and asset operators across the US we can provide our customers a comprehensive suite of solutions from vibration sensing to control, cooling and converter systems for new installations,” says Kim Wichmann-Hansen, President of KK Wind Solutions US.

“This includes spare parts, logistics, warehousing and stocking models to optimize lead time for parts. At the same time, through advanced, data-driven monitoring solutions we can support customers in making predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize value generation of their existing assets,” says Kim Wichmann-Hansen.

New US headquarters in a strategic location

The new business division will be based at the company’s new US headquarters in Houston, Texas. This new office will supplement the company’s existing location in Lenexa, Kansas.

The choice of Houston is strategic, given its status as a key energy hub in the state with the largest installed base of onshore wind in the US. The proximity to key customers and ability to attract top-tier talent are also underlying factors in the decision to base the new division in Houston.

The office will host both service and monitoring colleagues. This expansion will pave the way for more dynamic growth and innovation within the company, ultimately contributing to our ambition of advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Additionally, the company is investing in the expansion and upgrade of its warehouse in Lenexa, Kansas, and will establish state-of-the-art infrastructure for its modular battery energy storage systems.