A big boost for Sunpine

The main column is now in place in the stand, which is a big boost for SunPine, whose new second factory is starting to take shape.
“It is a challenge to transport and handle such large parts,” says Ulrika Hagman, project manager.

Spectacular lift

The large lifts are now complete. Likewise the assembly of larger vessels and columns that form the backbone of the process of releasing tall oil diesel. The lifting of the large column was the most spectacular lift.
Just transporting the enormous piece to Haraholmen in Piteå was a challenge in itself. On slippery inland roads with its own sand-spattered car in front, the team rolled at 20 kilometers per hour.

Ulrika Hagman, project manager for the investment at SunPine:
– We carry out everything with safety first. It has taken time, but it has gone well. Just maneuvering the column into the factory area is a challenge in itself and then carrying out the lift itself. We have systematically solved a series of complex lifts, so now it feels good to have these large parts in place.
Two horizontal cranes slowly lifted the spectacular piece from the trailer and then straightened it horizontally. A crane was then used to lift the column the final distance and into the factory stand. The lift was carried out without any problems, thanks to careful detailed planning and risk analysis.

Major investments in the new factory

According to the plan, the new second factory will be completed in November 2020. The company's investments in the existing factory and the new factory facility will amount to over SEK 400 million.

Peter Drugge, acting CEO, SunPine, is pleased that the work is progressing:
– Of course, it feels good that we are making progress in the project step by step. It is a big project to build a completely new factory next to a fully functioning process industry. We are weighing and considering many things.

Jonas Vinblad von Walter, production manager, is looking forward to starting up a second factory:
– We will gain greater flexibility with a second factory. With larger volumes and two production lines, we will be able to handle a greater variation in raw materials.
– At the same time, we become more energy efficient per ton of tall oil diesel we produce and thus even more sustainable, which is important.

During the year, SunPine will carry out approximately ten new recruitments, where the company is looking for electricians, engineers, mechanics and process operators, among other things.