Uniting Stakeholders for Quality Advancement - APQP4Wind China Tour Highlights
Fostering Dialogue and Expanding Community Reach at CHINA WIND POWER
In 2025, CHINA WIND POWER attracted nearly 1,000 exhibitors and welcomed over 120,000 professional visitors from 50+ countries. Chairman of the APQP4Wind Board, Senior Lead Specialist in QHSE Supply Chain Management at Ørsted, Gert B. Kragh-Jakobsen, and APQP4Wind Global Development Coordinator, Jingchen Xi, made the most of this vibrant atmosphere by engaging with a wide range of companies across the wind power value chain.
Visits to active members such as CRRC Zhuzhou Institute and Windey offered valuable opportunities to observe firsthand how APQP4Wind practices are being applied in real-world operations, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and mutual support within the community. The team also engaged with companies that have completed APQP4Wind Training, such as Chongqing Gearbox, Shandong Shuangyi Technology, Luoyang LYC Bearing, and Camzone Wind Power, to discuss their quality planning progress and explore avenues for deeper collaboration. For new stakeholders, APQP4Wind introduced its methodology and encouraged participation in future training, further expanding awareness and engagement across the sector.
These interactions reflect the growing awareness of APQP4Wind in China and contribute to building a more inclusive global community committed to quality excellence.
Strengthening Community Through Peer Exchange
A highlight of the tour was the APQP4Wind Company Member Discussion Forum, which brought together representatives from over 25 company members for three hours of focused dialogue.
The event began with a keynote by Gert B. Kragh-Jakobsen, who highlighted the unique risks and responsibilities faced by utilities and asset owners. By sharing insights on how APQP4Wind helps bridge cultural and regulatory differences, he called for stronger collaboration between all stakeholders to achieve world-class quality and risk management. Mr. He, an approved APQP4Wind trainer from Bureau Veritas Certification, then reviewed APQP4Wind’s rollout in China and analysed key challenges such as rapid technology iteration, project cycle and cost control, and strategic alignment.
Participants then joined sector-based group discussions, openly exchanging views on the challenges of applying APQP4Wind. The depth and openness of these conversations reflected the strength of the APQP4Wind Community and its commitment to continuous improvement. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and peer learning, the forum addressed immediate implementation issues and laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration in quality management.
If you are not yet an APQP4Wind Company Member, consider joining to take part in future opportunities. Membership details and the online sign-up form are available on our website.
Introducing APQP4Wind to China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.
Following the conclusion of China Wind Power, the APQP4Wind team arranged a special visit to the China Huaneng Clean Energy Research Institute (CERI), a part of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., a key player in China’s clean energy innovation landscape. The APQP4Wind team introduced the advanced product quality planning and maturity management methodologies tailored for the wind sector, while CERI shared their active participation in international standardization initiatives, including their work with IEC.
This meeting underscored the critical role that utilities and developers play in the APQP4Wind Community. As emphasized in the chairman’s presentation, utilities are not only end-users but also key drivers of quality and risk management throughout the supply chain. Their engagement ensures that quality requirements are clearly communicated, risks are proactively managed, and industry-wide best practices are adopted. By fostering collaboration between utilities, technology institutes, and the broader APQP4Wind network, the industry can move closer to unified standards, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate the transition to high-quality, reliable, and sustainable wind energy worldwide.
Thank You for a Great Trip
By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, the APQP4Wind team witnessed firsthand the growing commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Reflecting on the journey, Chairman Gert B. Kragh-Jakobsen shared:
“This trip to China has reaffirmed the importance of open dialogue and partnership in advancing quality standards across the wind industry. I encountered a broad recognition that we should improve by learning from our own and others’ experiences and avoid getting trapped in the Cost of Poor Quality spiral, which has been seen in both the wind industry and other industries. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome and strong support from our Chinese members and partners. Their commitment to quality and collaboration gives me great confidence in the continued growth and global impact of the APQP4Wind Community.
As APQP4Wind continues to expand its footprint, the China tour served as a valuable example of how global standards can be meaningfully connected with local practices. The conversations held in Beijing reflect a broader trend across markets, where companies are increasingly seeking structured, internationally recognized approaches to quality management. APQP4Wind’s role as a neutral, global platform enables stakeholders from different regions to align on shared principles, while respecting local realities. This balance is key to building a resilient and mature wind power supply chain worldwide.
Thank you to all for the great networking, strong engagement, and inspiring discussions during the APQP4Wind tour in China. We look forward to meeting you again soon!