Long-term maintenance partnership
The cooperation between Elcoline and Surfactor has deep roots. The same maintenance personnel have been responsible for maintenance operations at Surfactor for approximately two decades.
According to Surfactor CEO Mikael Strömberg, Elcoline is a reliable partner that provides assistance and expertise whenever needed. In addition to maintenance services, he highlights Siemens automation expertise, regular meetings, and the successful execution of additional assignments and projects as key sources of added value.
Surfactor is an international company based in Kitee, Finland, specialising in the development and manufacture of coatings for the plywood industry.
Outsourcing maintenance supports business focus
Elcoline is responsible for maintenance, preventive maintenance, modifications and rapid repairs at the Surfactor factory. Maintenance personnel are present on-site daily, and resources are increased when required, for example during major factory shutdowns that take place twice a year.
In addition, short-term projects related to process development, safety improvements and investments are agreed upon separately.
According to Strömberg, one of the greatest benefits of the partnership is being able to entrust complete responsibility for maintenance to an experienced industrial service provider.
“We are a small organization that is focused on efficient production, product development and sales. We can always count on Elcoline to handle the factory maintenance, enabling us to concentrate on developing our own business operations. Maintenance is among Elcoline’s core areas,” Strömberg says.
Expertise in maintenance, safety and automation
Due to Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, Surfactor has had to adapt both its production and maintenance activities. Strömberg notes that the company has nevertheless been able to reach workable agreements with Elcoline through open discussions.
“Help and customer services has been readily available from Elcoline’s factory organization and higher hierarchical levels. In addition to maintenance, we have also gained support and insight with regard to safety. We share information both ways,” Strömberg says.
Regular quarterly meetings are an important part of the collaboration. These meetings provide an opportunity to exchange statistics, operational information and feedback.
“One of Elcoline’s excellent customer services is the organizing of quarterly meetings. They involve exchanging statistics, information and feedback,” he continues.
Strömberg also sees significant value in Elcoline’s Siemens expertise.
“We worked on this for quite some time, but we eventually gained a great source for the purpose from Varkaus. Automation development and understanding Siemens logics are important to us, which is why we appreciate Elcoline being able to handle these areas,” he says.
Reliable Maintenance Services for Industrial Companies
Strömberg recommends Elcoline’s maintenance services to industrial companies seeking a dependable long-term partner.
“Separate projects supplement Elcoline’s maintenance service. Projects and daily challenges can be handled with ease with the help of the local work supervisor,” Strömberg says, praising the services.