Nordec tackled challenges – new central warehouse was built in record time in Eskilstuna, Sweden

Nordec completed one of Europe’s largest fully automated central warehouses for the grocery chain Coop Sverige in Eskilstuna, Sweden. Nordec was responsible for the design, manufacturing and installation of the structures. The project was successfully carried out on an exceptionally tight schedule, in just under a year.

Significant size warehouse project

One of Europe’s largest fully automated central warehouses for grocery chain Coop Sverige was completed in record time in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The new warehouse is almost 40 meters high, 530 meters long and 220 meters wide, the total gross area being about 110 000 m2.

Nordec was responsible for the design, manufacturing, and installation of structures in this significant size project. Nordec’s delivery included steel frame, load-bearing sheets, hollow core slabs, facades, windows, and stairs and catwalk. The delivery covered a total of about 6 000 tonnes of steel structures, 80 000 m2 of load bearing sheets, 35 000 m2 of concrete hollow core slabs, as well as about 50 000 m2 of wall panels.

The construction project was carried out in close cooperation with the client Tommy Allström Byggproduktion (TAB). The new central warehouse will become the heart of Coop’s entire supply chain. This new investment will enable products to be transported intelligently and with minimal environmental impact. The central warehouse is located at the end of good transport links and the area will also include a train track.

Ambitious schedule tackled with precise planning and close cooperation

Responding to the challenge of the client, Nordec set out to design and execute the project on a rather ambitious timetable. The construction phase took place in just over eight months and was successfully completed about a year after the contract was signed. The installation speed of structures was up to about 3 000 – 4 000 m2 per week, which required very smooth processes and good project management from Nordec. The central warehouse consists of several blocks and each of them had its own team at the site. Nordec’s experienced project team managed to complete each block on schedule, and to coordinate them with the completion of the other blocks.

“We succeeded in this quite a fast implementation of the project, first and foremost, thanks to the seamless teamwork of the project management and the whole team. We had constant communication starting with the design and production, right up to the installations of the structures. Everyone knew their own roles and the team had a clear common goal,” states Project Manager Aleksei Karttunen from Nordec.

“Certainly, the detailed planning of the project in advance was important, but equally important was the close monitoring and coordination of schedules, availability of materials etc., throughout the project. Despite the corona pandemic, we were able to complete the construction phase of the project safely and considering the restrictions, even ahead of time. I want to thank the whole team for their amazing collaboration!” sums up Nordec’s Site Manager Timo Kants the reasons for the success of the project.

Environmental responsibility very important

Responsibility for the environment and minimizing the carbon footprint of buildings are seen as very important at Nordec. Since Nordec was designing the structures of the central warehouse, it was possible to influence the material choices as well as to optimize the use of steel and other materials.

“We are very pleased to have been involved already in the design phase of this automated central warehouse, whose smart operations also aim to minimize the impact on the environment. With our competent design and efficient processes, we were able to contribute positively to the carbon footprint of structures and project implementation as well as to the environmental impact of the entire life cycle of the building,” Business Area Manager Sampo Haapoja from Nordec states proudly.

Further information

Sampo Haapoja, Business Area Manager/Nordec
sampo.haapoja@nordec.com
Tel. +358 40 507 8002