The co-operation between us at VIMAB and our customers can take different forms. Sometimes it's a matter of shorter assignments based on quick responses and a high degree of flexibility. In other cases, it's a matter of regularity and long-term agreements. An example of the latter is our valued collaboration with E.ON, which has been going on for several decades.
Kenneth Andersson is a UH engineer and service manager for two of the five large boilers at E.ON's CHP plant in Norrköping. The plant mainly produces electricity and district heating, but also some steam. Kenneth has been involved for a few years and knows what he is talking about.
? We have an extremely large number of valves and they need continuous maintenance and sometimes replacement. We have been using VIMAB for over 20 years now and they have always worked well. In recent years, they have also shown the way in terms of service and customisation. It really feels that they work for our best.
E.ON in Norrköping uses VIMAB continuously, all year round, and utilises virtually all our services. This mainly involves steam field measurements and functional checks in operation.
? That's how we keep track," says Kenneth. "Measurements and checks tell us which valves need to be repaired and serviced and which need to be replaced. We carry out the checks during the winter so that we can fix everything during the summer when we can more easily switch off an entire line or take the boilers out of operation. Keeping the plant's service in order is important for both safety and availability. We've really got procedures in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly and functions as it should.
Kenneth says that nowadays it is very rare that the plant has to make unplanned stops.
? We at E.ON are working hard to constantly improve, he says, and we have succeeded. It used to be much more common for us to suddenly go out of operation. It still happens from time to time, but if we have to stop a part of the plant to replace or repair valves, we always have a few days to get the right spare parts and prepare for the service. A CHP boiler has a very high pressure and you cannot approach it until the pressure has gone down. Then we call VIMAB and place our orders in peace and quiet.
The CHP plant in Norrköping is large and has been around for a relatively long time. As with all similar plants in most industries, this means a lot of valves that vary in both age and make. Kenneth says that although they have their own small spare parts warehouse, they occasionally need to go to VIMAB to find the right stuff.
? Not least in the case of unplanned stops like we just talked about," he says. "It is virtually impossible to have all types of valves in stock and sometimes we need to change something quickly. Then we usually use VIMAB's stock. They have most things and are a good back up.
The co-operation between E.ON and VIMAB is relatively extensive and therefore there are many personal contacts between the companies. Kenneth is mainly in contact with Fredrik Wisell at VIMAB, a co-operation that he greatly appreciates.
? Fredrik is easy to deal with, says Kenneth. The personal chemistry works perfectly, which is very important. The work goes quickly and smoothly, and he always keeps his promises. That's what you like as a client. As a rule, I give Fredrik a list of what needs to be fixed. Then he comes and dismantles everything, takes it to Motala and returns the next day with everything fixed. As you know, fast service is both time and money," Kenneth concludes.
It is no coincidence that E.ON has been using VIMAB for over 20 years, according to Kenneth.
? Of course, we have more suppliers and do extensive tendering when it comes to this type of supplier. VIMAB has always been there because they offer good services, are flexible and provide a high level of service that we appreciate. It couldn't be more difficult," Kenneth concludes.