A solution-oriented approach gives good results

One of the projects GMT has worked on for a longer period is Cinis Fertilizer at Köpmanholmen in Örnsköldsvik. A new production facility of 30,000 m² is being created here for Cinis Fertilizer, a mineral fertiliser plant that will produce circular and fossil-free mineral fertiliser. It will be the first facility in the world to recycle residues from the pulp industry and electric-car battery manufacturing to produce mineral fertiliser. 

“This is exactly where we want to be, to get the chance to help build for our sustainable future. We are very proud to be part of this project, which is at the forefront and takes us towards the next step for a sustainable future! We want to challenge and optimise processes for smarter and more sustainable construction, that is our absolute strength. In a double sense on this particular project,” says Kai Tamminen, CEO of GMT. 

Several of the sister companies in the Infralogistic group are involved in the project: Umeå Entreprenad, Avfallspartner, EAG Rental and EAG Entreprenad, as well as KEWAB. 

“Together we really get to show our respective strengths and get to know each other properly,” Kai adds. 

Smart solutions that save resources

GMT was brought in at an early phase of the project together with the client We Construction. Together with the structural consultant Soiltech, an investigation of the ground conditions was carried out, and together with Umeå Entreprenad the foundation and sheet piling were designed. A test piling showed that concrete piling would be the best option. It became a lean and bold structural solution that worked very well for the process building as well as for the warehouse and offices, largely thanks to Soiltech’s knowledge at an early stage.

GMT has long and broad expertise for projects like Cinis. The site at Köpmanholmen was unique. It placed high demands and there was a need for both piling and sheet piling.

“The fact that we got such a good result is largely because each party involved got room to contribute their special skills at an early stage on the best solutions. It also becomes very cost-effective for the end client,” says Niklas Widén, who was site manager for the project. 

Smooth cooperation with many parties

Cooperation within the group has been good. GMT and Umeå Entreprenad, who were the main parties on site, handle different branches of foundation work, and every party delivered their part.

“Because it has been a collaborative project, it has left room for a different way of thinking, which has been very positive. What is usually taken for granted, we have had to solve together. Good communication all the way. The cooperation with the client We Construction has also worked very well, we have truly had a collaborative contract,” concludes Niklas. Time is always tight, but everyone has helped out, so it has worked out nicely, according to Jonatan Fantenberg, who was site supervisor. 

Niklas agrees: 

“It has been a very smooth cooperation and there has been an understanding of everyone’s skills and needs. Even when we ran into obstacles along the way, good communication helped us reach shared alternative solutions. Especially at the beginning, we sat in a great many meetings and tried to shape a routine and an operation that would work for all parties.” 

Niklas Rehnsbo, site manager from We Construction, who has been on site and responsible for the entire project, describes the cooperation with GMT as smooth, with very good staff. 

“The staff and supervision from GMT have made it work very well. Deadlines have been kept, the cooperation has flowed. They are attentive and really present in meetings and in the project, and above all, they are very solution-oriented. Right now we are joining the buildings together and we have a solid foundation to stand on. We really do recommend GMT as a partner.” 

Good people give good results

As site supervisor, Jonathan has been on site in Köpmanholmen, commuting weekly from his home in Hälsingland. He comes from PEAB, where he worked with foundation engineering for a few years. He was recruited to GMT via Niklas Widén, who was site manager for the project.

Niklas Widén started out as a groundworker and has both operated excavators and worked as a supervisor at PEAB Grundläggning. During the Cinis project he has worked remotely from Stockholm.

“It works well when we have such good people on site. You obviously miss the daily chatter, but the people are everything, and then it feels secure. It is also so easy to work when you know each other, like Jonathan and I do. It is nice to work with someone you have worked with before and who you know you click with.” 

The next adventure awaits 

GMT’s part of the project is now finished. Some administration and a few additions that came up remain, but Umeå Entreprenad will continue with the foundation work for a while longer. 

“High quality and the right delivery at the right time is the focus in all our projects. We keep our promises,” says Niklas. 

Now the next adventure awaits: Jonathan is heading down to Trelleborg and Niklas is starting up projects in the Stockholm area. 

“We also have projects in Boden and Mariestad that have just been completed, so those also need to be cleaned up, closed and summarised, and then new adventures await after that.” 

#sustainable #construction #innovation #smartsolutions