Looking back at 2024 and into 2025
Manual 1.3: Ensuring a comprehensive integration
In 2024, APQP4Wind released Manual 1.3, extending its reach to meet the growing demand from utility companies joining the APQP4Wind Community. This updated version covers the entire spectrum of actors within the wind industry; including utility owners, designers, manufacturers of foundational components like foundations and cables, service providers, and more.
A key update in Version 1.3 is the adoption of a Customer-Supplier relationship model, aligned with the principles of ISO 9001. This change enables more direct communication and collaboration between customers and suppliers, streamlining the management of quality expectations and outcomes.
For more details, read about the release here: APQP4Wind launched Manual 1.3
New APQP4Wind Training Provider: SGS completes its first course
To meet the growing demand for quality assurance in the supply chain, APQP4Wind has partnered with SGS as its fourth approved training provider. This milestone was highlighted by SGS completing their first online Management Awareness Training course.
APQP4Wind Training aims to equip wind industry professionals with the tools and methodologies to implement effective quality planning, reducing risks in the supply chain. As the sector evolves, SGS is helping ensure the global wind energy supply chain meets the highest quality standards through continuous improvement and high-quality training.
For more details, read the full article here: SGS successfully completes its first online training course as an approved APQP4Wind Training Provider
For more information about APQP4Wind Training courses and upcoming sessions, visit our website page: APQP4Wind Training. You are also welcome to contact SGS for more information about their services and the current training schedule for APQP4Wind courses through their website.
A new Chairmanship to steer the future
At the Board of Directors meeting in Hamburg in late September, Gert B. Kragh-Jakobsen from Ørsted was elected as the new Chairman of APQP4Wind, with Henning Bach Jokumsen from Vestas serving as Vice Chairman. Kim Schmidt Petersen from KK Wind Solutions remains Vice Chairman.
The newly elected Chairmanship will focus on enhancing collaboration across the wind industry's supply chain, recognizing the critical need for continuous improvement and alignment of quality standards. As the new Chairman, Gert B. Kragh-Jakobsen emphasized the importance of time, cost, and quality, stating:
“I am excited to take on the role of Chairman of the APQP4Wind Board of Directors. Together with my peers, we will work towards a future where standardization, globalization, and industrialization align with sustainability efforts. This new direction will pave the way for the wind industry’s growth, expanding our capacity to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy.
As APQP4Wind continues to grow and adapt to the evolving wind industry, its Chairmanship is committed to achieving long-term success on a global scale. The new Chairmanship marks an important step in the organization’s journey toward a more collaborative and sustainable wind industry, promoting continuous improvement and growth.
For more details, read the full article here: New APQP4Wind Chairmanship elected
The launch of our new website
This year, we proudly introduced our redesigned website: apqp4wind.org, with the aim of making information and resources more accessible than ever.
One highlight of the new website is the online store, where you can purchase a variety of APQP4Wind products, including TIM Wind guidelines and Industry Standards.
You can also sign up for an APQP4Wind Company Membership through the convenient sign-up form. Get a clear view of all our members worldwide on the interactive map. And for those embarking on their APQP4Wind Journey, we have developed a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you getting started.
We invite you to explore our new website and read more about our exciting new features here: Welcome to the new APQP4Wind website!
Celebrating a growing APQP4Wind Community
The APQP4Wind Community is rapidly growing, now representing over 150 companies. This includes seven major utility companies and developers, twelve original equipment manufacturers, and an extensive network of suppliers.
A notable recent addition is Green Hydrogen Systems, marking an important step in extending APQP4Wind’s methodologies beyond the wind industry. By implementing APQP4Wind, Green Hydrogen Systems is addressing key challenges in the green hydrogen sector, such as immature technology and fragmented standards. This collaboration contributes to the development of cost-effective, innovative solutions that support a greener future.
The strength and diversity of our community underscore APQP4Wind's vital role in improving quality management and driving sustainability across the renewable energy sector. As Kim Nedergaard Jacobsen, CEO of APQP4Wind, shares:
“The ongoing support from our company members highlights the vital role of quality management in the renewables industry. On behalf of the APQP4Wind Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our members for your commitment. Your contributions are crucial to our development. We also invite and encourage new companies to join the APQP4Wind journey - an initiative dedicated to driving excellence and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
Being a part of the APQP4Wind Community provides organizations with the tools to elevate their quality practices, access essential resources, and collaborate with industry leaders. Through this membership, companies gain valuable insights into best practices and the opportunity to actively contribute to driving the sustainable future.
You can explore the motivations behind becoming a member in our "Meet Our Member" articles here and read more our community here: Celebrating the growing APQP4Wind Community
Looking forward to 2025
As we move into 2025, APQP4Wind remains committed to aligning the global renewable energy sector, expanding our community, and supporting the industry's growth to meet increasing demands across global markets.
We are also thrilled to announce that APQP4Wind will present at the WindEurope Annual Event in Copenhagen from April 8–10, 2025, where board member Eva Rutkowski from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy will deliver an inspiring presentation on how APQP4Wind is shaping the future of quality management and driving innovation in renewable energy.
Do not miss this unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore the transformative potential of advanced quality planning. Mark your calendars and join us!
A sincere thank you to our company members, board members, working group participants, country ambassadors, and training providers for your valuable support.
We look forward to working together with you to fulfill our ambitions in the year to come.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The APQP4Wind Secretariat will be on vacation from December 20, 2024, until January 6, 2025.