Norrhydro’s new factory required more efficient internal logistics, particularly for component washing processes and cleanroom operations. Coresbond designed and managed the manufacture of customized washing baskets, transfer trolleys and carts within a demanding schedule while ensuring high quality and compliance with CE-marking requirements.
The project resulted in an optimized production process that supports both efficiency and quality.
Norrhydro was founded in Rovaniemi in the mid-1980s. The company manufactures environmentally friendly hydraulic systems and cylinders and is a pioneer in NorrDigi® digital hydraulic solutions. Norrhydro holds approximately 50 international patents and has manufactured more than one million cylinders for a wide range of applications.
Its customers are machinery manufacturers. Norrhydro’s expert team develops solutions to challenges involving areas such as productivity and energy efficiency.
The company’s production line had previously been modernized during the 2010s, increasing capacity by 50 percent. As its manufacturing processes continued to evolve, Norrhydro commissioned a new, more environmentally friendly factory to support further growth. With approximately one thousand solar panels and recovered waste heat, the Rovaniemi facility can manufacture a growing range of linear motion products more efficiently.
“The main objectives for the new factory are productivity, safety and quality. Manufacturing cleanliness and cleanroom design for assembly were particularly important, as were component washing and logistics. Coresbond contributed to the design of baskets for the new washing machines and the track-based logistics system.” – Marko Mylläri, Norrhydro
Coresbond joined the design project for the new washing line in autumn 2021. The flow of components manufactured in-house, from initial preparation and washing to assembly, was arranged as a train of carts known as the “pig train.”
“The ‘pig train’ was named after a fairground ride, and the name stuck. Components enter the production cleanroom through separate hatches, and access to these areas is restricted.” – Marko Mylläri, Norrhydro
Coresbond designed various tools and equipment for the factory’s internal logistics and participated in defining the solutions. The work included washing baskets for the washing machine as well as transfer trolleys and carts for transporting the baskets.
According to Mylläri, the quality of Coresbond’s engineering work was excellent. Materials and thicknesses were selected carefully and appropriately, and every solution designed by Coresbond works well on the production line.
“The finished products have been excellent. We received robust solutions, not fragile or overly complicated constructions.” – Marko Mylläri, Norrhydro
Coresbond provided Norrhydro with all engineering packages, summaries and reports, allowing the designs to be reused in the future. The project focused on solutions at the beginning and feeding section of the production line, but some of the designs can also be applied at the end of the line if required.
As is often the case with development projects carried out under operational pressure, there was a risk of moving into engineering before the initial requirements had been defined in sufficient detail.
Norrhydro’s entire factory relocation was planned and carried out without stopping production at any stage. This required persistence, resilience and agility, as well as strong trust between all parties that solutions would be found even when the exact path forward was not yet known.
An additional challenge arose in the spring when it became clear that the original supplier would not be able to deliver the transfer trolley required at the beginning of the production line on time. Coresbond responded by assuming responsibility for the trolley’s design modifications, finding suitable suppliers and coordinating the entire delivery.
“The transfer trolley and its rails were ultimately delivered using Coresbond’s Complete Delivery model. In addition to engineering, Coresbond managed the manufacturing and CE-marking documentation. When required, Coresbond can also act as the manufacturer and provide turnkey deliveries. We have delivered items such as lifting accessories as Complete Deliveries.” – Mikko Helminen, Coresbond
”Siirtovaunu tarvittiin erittäin nopealla aikataululla”, Mikko muistelee. Kiireinen aikataulu yhdistettynä globaaliin tilanteeseen The transfer trolley was needed within a very short timeframe. The demanding schedule, combined with the global supply situation, caused some concern within the project team.
“The schedule was ambitious, and I have to admit that it worried me at first.” – Mikko Helminen, Coresbond
Component shortages and delivery delays also affected Norrhydro’s factory project. Deliveries of other production line components were delayed by as much as three months. This made Norrhydro particularly pleased with Coresbond’s ability to respond quickly and flexibly.
“Coresbond left us with a very positive impression. Despite the tight schedule and tasks being added at short notice, Coresbond responded well. The quality of the engineering work was high, and the cooperation worked smoothly in every respect.” – Marko Mylläri, Norrhydro
According to Helminen, Coresbond’s agility and ability to respond quickly provide a clear advantage over larger service providers. A persistent search for component suppliers produced results quickly, and despite the ambitious schedule, the project remained on track.
Mylläri arvostaa myös sitä, että Norrhydron ollessa keskellä suurta muutosprosessia ja kovasti kiireessä, Coresbondilta muistuteltiin ja kyseltiin asioista aktiivisesti, eikä jätetty oman muistin varaan. Vaikka Norrhydron tiimillä oli operatiivisia kiireitä, Mylläri also appreciated Coresbond’s proactive approach. Norrhydro was in the middle of a major transformation and under considerable time pressure, so Coresbond actively followed up on outstanding matters instead of leaving everything for the customer to remember.
Although Norrhydro’s operational workload occasionally delayed responses, the project continued to progress and, most importantly, was completed on time. Mylläri particularly praises Coresbond for assuming responsibility for the transfer trolley delivery.
The budget was not exceeded at any stage, even though the scope changed during the project.
“The cost estimate was met as planned, even though the scope evolved during the project.” – Marko Mylläri, Norrhydro
“The factory relocation, new equipment and planned production line upgrade were a major undertaking for everyone, while production continued throughout. Unexpected issues arose over the course of the year, and changes are naturally part of development projects. It was highly rewarding and educational for us to contribute to the design of Norrhydro’s internal logistics.” – Mikko Helminen, Coresbond
“We are pleased to continue supporting Norrhydro and building on this successful partnership.” – Mikko Helminen, Coresbond
According to Mylläri, Norrhydro continues to grow and will need to expand its facilities in the future. Further additions and track design for the end of the production line are already being considered. First, however, the company can take a moment to enjoy its new factory and the successful completion of a major project.
Kunnioitamme yksityisyyttäsi. Tutustu tietosuojaselosteeseen.
