Steam turbines play a crucial role in industries like waste incineration and paper manufacturing, providing essential energy for operations. Howden Maintenance Partners France specializes in turbine maintenance and repair, serving major clients with expert teams and advanced technical resources. Their innovative approaches, including real-time machine monitoring, enhance efficiency and reduce downtime costs. As part of the Howden group, HMPF has achieved significant growth, establishing itself as a leading partner for steam turbine maintenance in France, with a turnover of 50 million euros in 2023.
Importance of Steam Turbines in Industrial Operations
In industries such as waste incineration, biomass processing, and paper manufacturing, steam turbines are essential for generating the energy necessary for factory operations. Howden Maintenance Partners France (HMPF), a prominent player in the Howden group, specializes in the maintenance and repair of turbines from various brands, both on-site and at their workshop. Their expertise particularly shines in turbo alternator groups, built over years of experience inherited from Leroux & Lotz Turbomachines, which Howden acquired in 2016.
Exceptional Maintenance Capabilities for Industry Leaders
Operating across France, HMPF serves major industry names such as Veolia, Suez, and Dalkia with a dedicated team of approximately twenty technical experts. The company was among the pioneers in implementing multi-year maintenance contracts, allowing them to optimize interventions through a thorough understanding of their clients’ equipment.
When on-site repairs are not feasible, turbines are sent to workshops near Antwerp, where Howden Maintenance Partners has access to advanced technical resources. “We benefit from one of the best workshops in Europe,” states Benjamin de Drouas, CEO of HMPF, “equipped with cutting-edge tools like the welding robot and the high-speed balancer, which facilitates rotor balancing post-repair—capabilities that are rare among maintenance firms in Europe.”
Thanks to these facilities and their expertise, HMPF can execute specific repairs in mere months, a process that could take over a year for the acquisition of a new rotor. “Our solutions significantly lower costs associated with operational downtime while presenting a faster and more economical alternative,” emphasizes de Drouas. This is especially crucial for clients whose factories operate round-the-clock, seven days a week. HMPF also excels in prolonging the life of turbines, even when certain parts are no longer manufactured.
Howden Maintenance Partners France is committed to innovation, continuously enhancing its expertise in line with technological advancements and industry demands. The company has introduced connected solutions that integrate with clients’ systems, enabling real-time machine monitoring. “In the event of an issue, we can conduct a preliminary analysis remotely and sometimes guide clients in restarting their machines independently,” explains de Drouas. “This approach not only reduces intervention times and travel but also facilitates predictive maintenance and helps anticipate potential failures.”
As part of a larger industrial group, Howden Maintenance Partners France benefits from the robust structure of the Howden group, which is under American ownership. “Being part of this group provides us with favorable conditions for growth and allows us to meet human resource demands across various European entities, accommodating our workload peaks,” adds de Drouas. With a remarkable turnover of 50 million euros in 2023, HMPF has established itself as the premier partner for steam turbine maintenance in France.