59. New Lease of Life

Independent repair companies rely on engineering excellence and a cost-effective alternative to OEMs. Author visits Sulzer Elbar in The Netherlands. Throughout the life-cycle of a plant, the major generating assets will incur wear and possibly damage. How the plant manager deals with reciprocating engine or turbine failure depends very much on any long-term service agreement with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or his operating budget. In recent times, a new trend in attitudes to repair and maintenance has emerged. Brought about by the increasing operational, environmental and financial standards placed upon plant, many owners are turning away from the OEM LTSAs and looking at independent companies. The repair of damaged parts or even replacement with new non-OEM parts is a viable alternative.