History
The ZERO-MAX Group
The ZERO-MAX Group is a powerful business partner for the wind Industry worldwide. We are primarily involved in the power train link between the gearbox and the generator, within flexible couplings, Torque limitation and Brake systems.
The ZERO-MAX Group is located in a country near you. Each company has its own business area served by skilled, competent employees who all work in accordance with the common approach to serve our partners with: "Sustainable solutions".
The companies in the ZERO-MAX Group collaborate closely for the great benefit of our customers and can thereby offer tailor made solutions within our business areas.
The ZERO-MAX Composite Disc Wind Turbine Couplings and Torque Limiters are designed to exceed the typical operational life of a normal turbine. If you’re designing a new turbine or you need a retro-fit to replace an existing design, our onsite engineering professionals will assist you through the process of implement a complete coupling and torque limiter solution to meet your needs.
History
It all began in 1949, when Minnesota inventor Sterling Stageberg designed a unique mechanical variable speed transmission drive. Stageberg's design varied the output speed from a constant input from zero to maximum. Initially, it was used on automotive windshield wipers and became an instant success.
The product filled an important industry need at the time, which helped launch the company. It also provided the idea for the ZERO-MAX brand, a name carried on all of today's ZERO-MAX products sold throughout the world.
Mile stones in general
1951
ZERO-MAX Inc. responds to worldwide interest in the Variable Speed Drive by developing an organization of power transmission distributors. Today, that distributor network - both in the United States and throughout the world - is one of the most respected in the industry.
1950’s thru 1960’s
ZERO-MAX Inc.steadily grows as a national and international manufacturer. It expands the variable speed drive concept into a full line of models and sizes to meet the many needs of many different kinds of applications.
1984
ZERO-MAX Inc. enters the coupling business by acquiring Schmidt Couplings of Cincinnati, OH.
1989
The "CD" Composite Disc coupling is designed and introduced by ZERO-MAX Inc.. This patented design revolutionizes many power transmission applications because of its ability to solve very difficult operating requirements.
1990
ZERO-MAX acquires Helland Research and Engineering. The acquisition provides ZERO-MAX with torque limiter, overhung load adaptor and other power transmission product lines.
1992
To meet continued growth, ZERO-MAX Inc. occupies an all new and greatly expanded manufacturing facility in west suburban Minneapolis.
1998
ZERO-MAX Inc. begins to supply CD Couplings to several European wind turbine manufacturers thru Indutrans A/S, Denmark as an established distributor partner.
2005
ZERO-MAX Inc. acquires "Indutrans A/S" of Silkeborg, Denmark and establishes ZERO-MAX A/S. ZERO-MAX A/S (Indutrans A/S) was founded in 1977, the company has more than 25 years of experience and expertise in the field of mechanical transmission within the Wind industry and ZERO-MAX received the ISO 9001:2000 Certification back in 1994.
March 2008
ZERO-MAX Inc. receives ISO 9001:2000 Certification.
October2008
As a result of continued growth ZERO-MAX starts construction to increase it’s manufacturing space by 50%.
October2009
As a result of continued growth in the wind business ZERO-MAX A/S moves in to new domiciles with highly modern facilities for developing, testing and producing mechanical power transmission products.
Medium 2009
Based on the long business relations and the key competences within the wind business and the technical knowhow within mechanical transmission, we expanded the ZERO-MAX group with a new subsidiary in China (Tianjin) to serve the Chinese wind Industry with our high quality products.
Mile stones within the wind Industry
ZERO-MAX becomes via Industrans A/S, an integrated development partner to the “root” of the wind industry in Denmark back in 1984, when the first commercial wind turbines were developed for series production.
The output capacity was at that time 22 kW and the nominal output was doubled each time a new turbine was introduced, soon the need for better brakes and better drive line couplings was obvious.
1981
First couplings supplied for 55 KW WTG.
1985
First Rotor-Brakes supplied.
1996
Introduction of Composite CD® coupling.
2001
Introduction of the Mrk. 1 Torque Limiter.
2005
Zero-Max Inc. acquires Indutrans and establish ZERO-MAX A/S.
2007
Introduction of ZM multi operation Torque Limiter.
