Blade manufacturer LM Wind Power has earlier this month released the APQP4Wind framework to be followed by its suppliers of direct materials.
With the release, LM Wind Power kick-starts the implementation of APQP4Wind in their product development phase and supply chain.
APQP4Wind will be gradually implemented, and the first of the company’s 43 suppliers have been approached. The suppliers are required to start implementing APQP4Wind and initiate the process of building up competences through targeted APQP4Wind training. Full implementation and training of staff are expected to be executed during 2018.
LM Wind Power expects that the APQP4Wind framework will pave the way for a smoother implementation of new materials as well as lower cost of quality assurance processes in the supply chain.
This is in line with the overall scope of APQP4Wind: lower cost of energy in the years to come, higher quality of products, lower production costs, and alignment of the production process in the years to come which will result in significant LCoE reductions in the long run.