1980: Serial production of wind turbines
Vestas begins serial production of wind turbines and installs the first 80 units of 55 kW turbines. That same year Zond, Inc., an American company, asks to test Vestas’ turbines. These tests go well, and Zond is very happy with the turbines’ performance. New legislation in Denmark and the USA creates a large market for wind energy.
1981: Own production of glass fibre components
The first large orders from the USA come in and Vestas decides to produce its own glass fibre components for the wind turbines to ensure consistent, high quality components.
1983: 2,500 wind turbines sold to the USA
Glass fibre production is double that of 1981, enabling Vestas to manufacture its own blades for its wind turbines. Vestas North America, Ltd. is set up to service the American market. By the end of 1985 Vestas has sold 2,500 wind turbines to the USA.
1985: The first pitch
The first pitch-regulated turbine rolls out of Vestas’ factory. This feature, which optimises the turbine’s energy production by constantly fine-tuning the angle of the blades to the wind, becomes a key selling point. In fact, none of the competitors can offer anything like it. Since then, Vestas' pitch-regulation has become known by the name OptiTip®.
1986: Problems and rescue plan
A difficult year for Vestas. The special tax laws that made it advantageous to build wind turbines in California lapsed in late 1985 and early 1986. A rescue plan is put into action in February, but on 3 October the Group goes into suspension of payments.
But there is nothing wrong with the wind turbines, and Vestas’ quality products and in-depth know-how quickly prove to be a solid foundation for a restructuring. During 1986 Vestas has its first experiences with wind farms – an important factor in the successful fight to gain market share in the coming years.
1987: Disposal and establishment of Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Large portions of the Vestas Group are sold after the crisis in 1986. At the end of 1986 Vestas Wind Systems A/S, working solely with wind energy, is founded. With Johannes Poulsen as the new Managing Director and about 60 employees, the second chapter of Vestas' history begins. The same year Vestas RRB India Ltd. is founded in India.
1988: Danida projects in India
Vestas Wind Systems A/S is selected for six wind energy projects in India sponsored by Danida, a Danish state-financed aid agency.
1989: From collaboration to sales company
Strong political forces want to strengthen the Danish wind turbine industry through mergers. Vestas chooses to collaborate with Danish Wind Technology (DWT), which subsequently operates as a sales company within Vestas Wind Systems A/S. The purchase bolsters Vestas' production capacity and expertise. Vestas Deutschland GmbH is founded in Germany.