May 5, 2026 — Flender has officially started operating its new location in Brazil, strengthening its presence and service offerings in South America, especially in the wind energy sector, but also in the broadly diversified industrial business. This move follows the successful acquisition of the service business for wind turbine and assimilated industrial gear units from Wärtsilä Brasil Ltda., which started as a partnership in 2018 and represents the natural progression of this collaboration.
Local commitment and customer proximity
By taking the strategic decision to assume the business lead and establish a direct presence in Brazil, Flender has sealed its strong commitment to supporting customers locally. Through the acquisition, the gear unit service business, including its service workshop in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, 35 km south of Recife, Brazil, has been transferred to Flender.
With the EU-Mercosur trade agreement taking effect on May 1, Flender is strengthening its foothold in one of South America's most dynamic industrial markets at exactly the right moment. Brazil's strong position in renewable energy — from wind to hydropower — creates ideal conditions to deepen customer partnerships and grow the company's local service capabilities.
“The establishment of our own location in Brazil is a logical step in advancing our service business in South America. It lays the foundation for long-term growth, further investments and even closer collaboration with our customers across the region,” said Andreas Evertz, CEO of Flender.
The state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2022, spans 5,000 square meters and is equipped with testing capabilities for wind turbine gear units of current power classes. It is the first facility in Latin America with such capacity and provides a solid foundation for Flender’s service activities. The focus is on the significant installed base of wind turbines in the region, with priority given to continuing to serve local customers with excellence through investments in local spare parts and equipment to boost availability and shorten lead times. Flender is also considering future growth opportunities, such as upgrading test bench and lifting capabilities to service larger and next-generation wind turbines drive trains in South America, which have expanded meaningfully over the last six years.
Integration of Wärtsilä team and business potential
With the acquisition, Flender welcomes the Wärtsilä Brazil gears service team, including staff from sales, workshop team and general management. This integration of qualified specialists will further enhance operational capabilities and outstanding customer service in the region.
The takeover benefits Flender’s global service network. Next to the wind business, the new location opens growth opportunities for industrial gear units, industrial customer service, couplings and generators, further strengthening the company’s market presence.
“With the opening of the location in Brazil, we are ready from day one to serve our customers locally. Thanks to the long-standing cooperation with Wärtsilä as a service partner, we already have an established network, local expertise and a deep understanding of the Brazilian market. We are now building on this strong foundation,” added Antti Turunen, VP Wind Service.
The official signing took place on August 18, 2025. With the final, unconditional approval from the Brazilian competition authority (CADE), the transaction has now been fully completed.
About Flender
Flender is a leading, tech-enabled provider for drivetrain solutions, globally supplying highest quality, performance and innovation for more than 125 years. Flender offers a wide range of gear units, couplings, generators, and associated digitally enabled lifecycle services across various end markets. The two product brands “Flender” and “Winergy” focus on key industries such as wind energy, minerals and mining, cement, power generation, plastic and rubber, marine and metals. With efficient drivetrain solutions and a strong CSR focus, Flender is the partner of choice for a sustainable future. The renowned sustainability rating by EcoVadis ranks Flender among the top 1 percent of the most sustainable companies worldwide. Flender employs more than 8,000 people globally. The company is headquartered in Bocholt, Germany.
