Sjöblom Group Ab has invested in a 20-ton electric wheel loader, which is now being put into operation at Alholmens Kraft in Jakobstad. Sjöbloms has been a long-standing and reliable partner for the industries at Alholmen, and this new investment is a significant step forward in development.
Investment in Electric Wheel Loader
The electric wheel loader now being put into operation at Alholmens Kraft in Jakobstad is the first heavy electric wheel loader in Finland. The loader is a LiuGong 856HE model, equipped with a 423 kWh lithium battery and has an operating time of 11 hours. The charging time is 3.5 hours, and the battery has a warranty period of 10,000 hours.
Matts Sjöblom, CEO of Sjöblom Group Ab, says: “We will experiment to optimize usage and charging times, also ensuring it charges during breaks.” The new wheel loader will save approximately 100,000 liters of fuel per year in its task of feeding biomass into Alholmens Kraft’s bio-power plant.
Focus on Sustainability
The investment is a concrete measure that aligns with the goals of Sjöblom Group, Alholmens Kraft, and Alholmen Industrial Park in the green transition. Björn Åkerlund, CEO of Alholmens Kraft Ab, estimates that more than half of all biomass used will be fed in with the electric wheel loader, resulting in a significant reduction in fuel-related carbon emissions.
Sjöbloms has long strived to minimize environmental impact by using renewable fuels and implementing energy-efficient methods in their processes. For several years, 50% of the fuel used in their machines has been renewable biofuel. The company has also researched and tested which tires wear the least and last the longest on heavy machinery to further reduce environmental impact. The choice of tires is crucial as rubber particles are released when tires wear down.
“It is great that Sjöblom Infra has invested in the electric wheel loader and that AK can be part of the development. This is a concrete measure that fits perfectly with the goals of both Alholmen Kraft and Alholmen Industrial Park in the green transition,” says Åkerlund.
Åsa Björkman, project manager of Alholmen Circular Economy Platform, finds it inspiring that Alholmen Industrial Park serves as a testbed for new technology. In addition to reduced environmental impact and optimized resource management, Sjöbloms’ strong forward-thinking also supports the project’s goals. “By working closely with Alholmens Kraft and other actors in the industrial area, Sjöbloms contributes to strengthening the collaborative networks and partnerships driving the green transition forward,” says Björkman.
Future Prospects
With a strong base in Jakobstad, the company has developed a broad portfolio of services ranging from material handling in industry and infrastructure construction to recycling. Sjöbloms is appreciated for its extensive machinery, proactive approach, and customized logistics solutions. The company is certified according to ISO 14001:2015, which means they adhere to strict environmental standards in all their projects.
With over 60 years of experience and a strong sustainability profile, Sjöbloms Infra aims to continue being a key player at Alholmen Industrial Park. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures they are well-positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities.
Matts Sjöblom summarizes: “Green in color, powered by green electricity, and transporting green biomass to the bio-power plant. That’s how we can briefly describe our latest investment.”
Links:
https://www.alholmenskraft.com/en/home
