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Out-of-Service Rotor Blades for Test Runs It all started last year when we sold our SBI spreader beam to the crane service provider Mountain Crane. It is now being used across the USA and caught the attention of Siemens Gamesa. Siemens expressed interest in purchasing several SBI spreader beams but wanted to conduct some tests first. A wind farm located on private property in Texas offered an excellent opportunity for this. The vast area stored out-of-service rotor blades awaiting disposal. The 71-meter-long blades were still intact enough to be used for practical testing. The focus was on the fast setup of the spreader beam, its mobility when fully assembled, and the ease of handling during blade pickup. SpanSet USA brought together around twenty people for the tests – ten from Siemens Gamesa and ten from Mountain Crane. By the end of the test runs, which took less than a day, Axzion received purchase commitments for several SBI spreader beams from both companies. It’s clear that Axzion has succeeded in bringing a concept to market that convinces in terms of functionality, handling, and cost-effectiveness. This is confirmed by further inquiries we are currently receiving.

Daily companions can be “potentially deadly” At the turn of the year 2024/25, WEG installed and commissioned the prototype of a new 7-megawatt wind turbine. The location: a wind farm in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, 500 kilometers west of Salvador. For the installation of the rotor blades, WEG ordered an SBI rotor blade beam from Axzion. From September to December 2024, we were on-site several times to train WEG employees in handling the beam. The focus was on assembly, operation, daily maintenance, and test lifts. During the final installation of the “7.X MW” prototype shortly before Christmas, Mr. Lehmann supported the customer with hands-on assistance and advice. Less than 30 minutes between hook-up and disconnectionThe learning process during installation was remarkable. By the time the third blade was installed, the customer was able to complete the full cycle—from attaching the SBI beam to lowering and detaching after the blade installation—in under two and a half hours. That’s incredibly fast, considering that lifting, inserting and bolting the blade, and crane lowering alone took two hours. This meant that only about 30 minutes were left for attaching and detaching the lifting solution and slings for the guide ropes. Far away from any mobile networkAlthough our teams are used to working in harsh environments, this project came with some unique challenges. We had to prepare even more meticulously for every contingency because there was no mobile network coverage anywhere nearby. Getting quick updates or documents sent to a smartphone was out of the question. The construction site was 75 kilometers from the nearest town, where our hotel was also located. Half of that distance was on a paved road, the other on a sandy track. Another unusual challenge: deadly wildlifeWorking at height always comes with risk, but we know how to protect ourselves. However, the bigger danger on this job was something else entirely: During the initial safety briefing, we were warned that anything crawling or creeping in the area could be potentially deadly—especially snakes and spiders. Wearing gaiters was mandatory. On top of that, the sun was brutal—sleeveless shirts and uncovered heads were strictly forbidden. About WEG – 40,000 employees worldwideFounded in Brazil in 1961, WEG manufactures electric motors, generators, and turbines, among other products. Production sites are located in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The company employs 40,000 people globally and has an annual turnover of six billion euros. The German-sounding name “WEG” derives from the initials of the founders’ first names: Werner Ricardo Voigt, Eggon João da Silva, and Geraldo Werninghaus. An SBI rotor blade beam from Axzion in action. Prior to deployment, Axzion specialists conducted on-site user training sessions in Brazil. A rotor blade is lifted using the SBI rotor blade beam and subsequently mounted. Any questions? Feel free to contact us.

Demand for high-quality Axzion service continues to grow worldwide – especially in the Far East. In February 2025, our team was once again deployed in Mito on Japan’s east coast, carrying out two weeks of maintenance and service work on Enercon spreaders. The assignment was commissioned by our long-standing partner Hansa Tec. An unexpected extra task? No problem. In the middle of our scheduled work, we received a short-notice request from another customer. Two nacelle spreaders had been damaged during loading and required urgent inspection – ideally immediately. The only issue: the location was Akita, about 500 kilometers away. Given the tight schedule, traveling to Akita – even by high-speed Shinkansen – wasn’t feasible. But in the spirit of customer-oriented solutions, we proposed a pragmatic alternative: transporting the spreaders by truck to Mito, where our team could carry out the inspection on site. Technical expertise on the ground – fast and effective During the multi-hour inspection, we checked for damage and deformation caused by the incident and examined the condition of the carriages. The required repairs were then carried out by the customer independently. Why our presence in Asia pays off This example clearly demonstrates the value of our regional presence in Asia: short response times, technical expertise, and flexible solutions – even when challenges arise unexpectedly. To our services   Planning a service assignment in Asia? Contact us now! Do you need technical support or a service visit on-site? We’re here to help – fast, flexible, and backed by decades of experience.  

As part of the newly assumed sales responsibility for the Asia-Pacific region, the first important contacts were established in Japan in February. During a stay in Mito, an opportunity arose to connect with the RUD-SpanSet representative office in Osaka. A spontaneously arranged meeting in Tokyo revealed a strong interest in closer collaboration, particularly regarding the expansion of spreader beam sales and service presence in the region. Moving forward, a more intensive exchange is planned – both virtually and through in-person visits. High Demand for Service – Initial Inquiries from Vietnam and Taiwan Axzion’s strong service performance is clearly being recognized. Following successful on-site inspections in Japan, a customer has already expressed interest in further cooperation. The focus lies on inspections, maintenance, and repairs of safety-relevant equipment. Initial discussions about potential assignments in Vietnam and Taiwan have already begun. These recent developments indicate a promising outlook: the path is set for continued international growth.

Find out more about SpanSet Axzion at WindEnergy Hamburg 2024! We are pleased to announce that SpanSet Axzion will be exhibiting at WindEnergy Hamburg 2024! This leading trade fair for the wind energy industry will take place from 24.09-27.09.2024 at the Hamburg Exhibition Centre and offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations and technologies in the field of wind energy.   Visit our stand and experience our innovative lifting and lashing technology: discover our latest products and solutions developed specifically for the needs of the wind energy industry.     Register below to receive exclusive information and discounts for WindEnergy. Upending-Tool

In early May, a two-person team from Hansa Tec and Axzion set off for a two-week mission to Japan on behalf of Hansa Tec. The destination was a port area 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. There, Hansa Tec’s client Enercon maintains a tooling warehouse for wind energy systems. Our mission on the Japanese east coast was: annual inspection as well as maintenance and repair work for around 40 test objects, some of which are electrically and hydraulically driven. The list included electric and mechanical chain hoists, various load handling devices, assembly frames, and round slings.   Maintenance and Repair Our tasks included visual inspections and functional tests – for both mechanical and electrical/hydraulic components. Everything was carried out in accordance with statutory accident prevention regulations, especially DGUV 109-017 and DGUV V3. For example, we checked the tools for deformations and cracks, then it was: disassemble, clean, lubricate, reassemble, and perform functional tests. Typical defects such as worn handles, safety, and protective caps were immediately rectified. Most of the required spare parts were kept by Enercon in its port warehouse. We did not have a test stand available. Instead, we conducted load tests for chain hoists using a crane set up for us, among other things. The required materials, such as 25-ton weights, were provided by Enercon. When the contract was awarded, it was advantageous that we had been providing such services for third-party equipment for several years. Most of the traverses and tools came from third-party manufacturers. However, we also encountered familiar items from Axzion: these included five J-Hooks for lifting and turning tower segments. Also on the agenda were two Tower Tool Kits, consisting of several round slings, a J-Hook, two pulleys, and four TAPs.   Meticulous Preparation Weeks Before Departure The client informed us well in advance of our departure which tools needed to be checked. Therefore, we were able to meticulously prepare for the mission in Japan while still at home. Especially with regard to third-party equipment, it was necessary to clarify in advance: where are the safety-critical and crucial points like seams, where can something tear? What deformations are possible and which are still within the permissible range? Because it is particularly challenging in terms of customs regulations to import tools into an Asian country and take them back afterward, Enercon provided the required equipment according to our specifications. This worked excellently. The only equipment we brought from Germany was our PPE case with helmet, safety shoes, and work clothes.   Communication, if Necessary, with Hands and Feet All in all, it was two exhausting but exciting weeks in Akita and Mito. There could have been communication problems since many of our Japanese contacts did not speak English. But with the help of Google Translate and, if necessary, with hands and feet, we always made ourselves understood. Three Vario J-Hooks from Axzion. Japanese break. Note the length of the table legs Load test with 26,000 kilograms for an electromechanical chain hoist.

Our recent operation at the Atlantic Port of La Rochelle, France, was a complete success. The Upending Tool (UET) once again demonstrated its superior performance and versatility. In this blog post, we want to detail this impressive application and the advantages of our tool. Project Overview In April 2024, the Upending Tool was installed at the Atlantic Port of La Rochelle to lift and position monopiles for offshore wind turbines. Despite challenging conditions, the entire setup was completed in just 1.5 weeks. This is another example of the efficiency and reliability of our tool, specifically designed for the heavy and large monopiles of modern offshore wind turbines. Technical Specifications The Upending Tool has a weight of approximately 90 tons and can lift monopiles weighing up to 1,850 tons. It is remotely controlled and has a redundant design to ensure high reliability. This means that even if one system fails, operations can continue without interruption. The Site Acceptance Test (SAT) A crucial part of the commissioning process is the Site Acceptance Test (SAT). This test ensures that the tool meets all requirements and standards before it goes into regular operation. The SAT in La Rochelle included: Component Inspection: Each part of the Upending Tool was thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. Safety Tests: Extensive safety tests were conducted to ensure the safety of operations. Detailed Trial Run: The tool was tested under real conditions to verify its functionality and efficiency. Comprehensive Documentation: All tests and results were thoroughly documented to ensure complete traceability and transparency. Advantages of the Upending Tool Our tool offers significant advantages over traditional systems: Time Savings: The quick installation and commissioning significantly reduce overall project time. Versatility: The tool can grip and clamp monopiles with or without flanges, making it an extremely flexible solution for various project specifications. Safety: The redundant systems and extensive tests ensure that operations can be carried out safely and reliably. Conclusion The deployment of the Upending Tool in La Rochelle began on May 22, 2024, and will last approximately one year. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of offshore wind energy and look forward to future projects where our tool can demonstrate its strengths again.

We are proud to have successfully completed a challenging and innovative project for our esteemed costumer, EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH. To address the demanding task of securely and efficiently transporting monopile segments, we designed a special C-hook capable of carrying an impressive 100,000 kg, with a weight of 35,000 kg. The safety and efficiency of our solutions always take precedence, and we are particularly pleased that this C-hook has passed a load test of 150,000 kg – a testament to our high-quality standards. The team around Ray Baumann in Neustrelitz would like to thank EEW Special Pipe Constructions GmbH for trusting in our capabilities. This successful collaboration exemplifies our commitment to delivering costomized solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. We look forward to future projects with confidence and anticipate further successful partnerships.

Successful Application of SpanSet Axzion’s Tower Tool Kit in General Industry At SpanSet Axzion, we are proud to announce another successful project completion. Venturing beyond our known work in the wind industry, we have employed our Tower Tool Kit in a new domain: the construction of an industrial mast! Rapid and Efficient Delivery to Rosch Industrieservice In an industry where every second counts, speed is essential. Our team managed to deliver the required components of the Tower Tool Kit to Rosch Industrieservice in record time. This underlines our commitment to providing real value in every situation. Contents of the Tower Tool Kit: Pulley Vario-J-Hook Magnum-X (textile round sling) Vario-TAP With these high-quality tools and aids, we guarantee efficiency and safety in industrial tasks. Comprehensive Solutions from SpanSet Axzion Our Tower Tool Kit is more than just a product – it’s a complete solution. We take on liability risks and ensure that all components are perfectly coordinated. This allows our customers to focus entirely on their core business.

At SpanSet Axzion GmbH, we are celebrating the success of our latest project with customer Silbitz Group Torgelow GmbH, highlighting our ability to custom-make project-related special constructions. This 2-crane traverse, with a capacity of WLL 180,000 kg, a working length of 12,000 mm, and a self-weight of 19,500 kg, is more than a construction. It’s evidence of our engineering prowess, designed to meet our customer’s specific needs. The robust construction has been optimized for the demanding conditions at the customer’s plant. During the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test), we had the pleasure of welcoming the customer’s team to our Neustrelitz factory. This offered the opportunity to play through all the functions of the traverse before painting, leading to a perfect alignment. Our Industrial Sales Manager, Peter Scholz, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “It’s always a great pleasure to work together with users to create an Axzion lifting solution. My special thanks go to the colleagues at Silbitz Group Torgelow for the pleasant and professional collaboration.” We at SpanSet Axzion look back proudly on this project and are excited for more opportunities to strengthen our partnership and create innovative solutions.

Cross beams, grabs, coil tongs – our products have to bear heavy loads and withstand a lot in other aspects as well. Especially in offshore applications. All we can say is: water, salt, corrosion! To protect the steel from aggressive media, we recently installed our own painting and drying booth at the Neustrelitz site. It provides the tools, which often weigh several tons, with a coating in accordance with DIN EN ISO 12944-2. The standard categorizes the corrosion-relevant influences to which steel components are exposed. The worst environments in this respect include offshore parks with high salt loads (category Cx “extreme”). Our upending tool for erecting monopiles for offshore wind turbines also receives its standard-compliant coating in Axzion’s own painting and drying booth.