From Ground to Sky: The Challenges of Lifting Wind Turbines
Interview with Chief Technical Officer,
Sven Lehmann(Axzion): Lifting In Wind Expert
Sven’s journey to becoming the Chief Technical Officer of Axzion is one built on a foundation of engineering curiosity and a passion for construction. Starting with a degree in Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt Germany, he quickly developed a strong interest in structural engineering, specialising in steel construction.
His early career saw him working on projects ranging from small car wash facilities to major infrastructure, including construction of stadium roofs for the FIFA World Cup and hangars for the Airbus A380 in Hamburg. This exposure to high scale projects deepened his expertise in construction logistics and structural calculations.
“I started with very small buildings, but they became bigger and bigger,” he recalls. “The Fritz Walter Stadium was an exciting project where we had to determine the engineering and process for massive roof lifts - it was a great learning experience.”
Single Blade Installation
3rd Generation 7MW WLL 30t,
Rotor Size: 100 – 180 metres
Transitioning into Lifting and Load Handling Solutions
Sven’s experience in large-scale construction led him to wind energy, where he took on key roles at Repower Systems and Senvion, where he specialised in wind turbine transport and installation. His work extended to offshore wind farms, where he oversaw the complex logistics of turbine assembly on moving installation vessels.
After years of working on the client side of lifting solutions, Sven saw the opportunity to bring his expertise to SpanSet Axzion. “It was a natural progression, having worked extensively with lifting tools and solutions from the client perspective, I knew what was needed. Working with Axzion allowed me to contribute to manufacturing and development, making solutions even more user-friendly and efficient.”
What Sets SpanSet Axzion Apart?
Axzion differentiates itself in the wind energy industry through high quality tooling, in house testing capabilities, and hands on operational expertise. “We are one of the few companies with a certified 3,000 ton test stand, ensuring our lifting solutions meet the highest standards,” Sven explains.
3000t Test Bench Axzion
Beyond technical capability, Axzion’s practical experience in offshore and onshore installations sets it apart. “We don’t just design and sell equipment; our team actively operates and services these tools in the field. This hands-on approach helps us create solutions that truly meet the needs of our clients and the tough environments they work with.”
Memorable Projects and Career Highlights
When asked about his favorite projects, Sven highlights the Fritz Walter Stadium roof (Watching the players practice was a real highlight also he reflected), the Bosch Parking Bridge; a massive structure built on-site and pushed across a motorway without stopping traffic; and the development of single-blade installation tools for offshore wind turbines.
“The moment you see a plan come to life after years of development is incredible. Standing on top of a wind turbine, watching the third blade being installed as the sun rises; that’s what makes all the challenges worth it.”
2025 Innovation for Wind Lifting
Axzion is at the forefront of digital transformation, utilizing smart technologies to enhance product development. “We’ve introduced a configuration tool that allows customers to design and visualize lifting tools in 3D instantly,” says Sven. “They can input parameters, see a real-time modelling, and generate a quote within hours. This automation significantly speeds up the process, saving time and reducing engineering workload for my team.”
Additionally, Axzion is working on integrating digital communication tools to streamline project management and enhance customer collaboration.
Sustainability in Wind Energy Installation
Sustainability is a key focus for Axzion, not only through materials but also in process efficiency.
“Using more sustainable steel is an option, but it’s very costly. The real sustainability gain comes from improving installation efficiency; reducing fuel use, minimising crane operation time, and optimising logistics. Making the process faster and safer is the best way to reduce our environmental impact.”
Future Projects and Industry Challenges
Looking ahead, Axzion continues to refine its single-blade installation tools and develop innovative solutions for handling heavier wind turbine components. The company is also expanding partnerships with Spanset and Secutex to enhance lifting and rigging technology.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve,” Sven states. “The wind industry is evolving, and we want to stay ahead by offering the best solutions for safe, efficient, and sustainable lifting operations. It’s partnerships with SpanSet Australia that make our commitment to providing the Australian market with high quality and purpose-built solutions really exciting”
Sven’s journey through civil engineering, large-scale construction, and wind energy has shaped his approach to leadership at Axzion. With a blend of technical expertise and practical experience, he continues to drive innovation in lifting solutions for the renewable energy sector.
“Seeing a concept turn into reality and making a tangible impact in the industry is what keeps me motivated,” he says. “At Axzion, we’re not just selling tools—we’re building solutions that shape the future of wind energy.”
Sven Lehmann, Chief Technical Officer, Axzion and Kristian Pritchett, Managing Director SpanSet Australia
Interested in our Wind Solutions?
Sven Lehmann
Chief Technical Officer
SpanSet Axzion GmbH
Sven is presenting at the CICA 2025 Crane in Wind Forum Melbourne.