Founded in 1967, Aurajoki Oy is a leading Finnish company specializing in metal surface treatment and constructing steel structures for infrastructure. Environmental friendliness guides Aurajoki, and the company is proudly carbon-neutral. Tamtron has supplied Aurajoki’s various plants with scale systems over the years.
Tamtron was selected to supply floor scales for Aurajoki Oy’s new carbon-neutral hot-dip galvanizing plant thanks to its extensive experience in weighing systems and their previous collaboration. The galvanizing plant in Lieto represents the largest investment in Aurajoki’s history for a cleaner future and sustainable development, as its state-of-the-art technology enables more efficient energy use and reduces waste.
“The plant was equipped with two embedded floor scales tailored to Aurajoki’s needs. The scales weigh all to-be galvanized and galvanized products,” Jari Haraholma, Sales Manager at Tamtron Precision, explains.
Hot-dip galvanizing brings significant emission reduction
The hot-dip galvanizing plant is the first of its kind in Northern Europe. It consumes 40% less energy and produces 70% less waste than traditional plants. Aurajoki utilizes waste energy by reprocessing it to heat buildings and processes. Liedon Lämpö, an energy company then purchases the excess part for heating properties.
“When designing the plant, sustainability and environmental issues were specifically considered. The plant is the first fully carbon-neutral hot-dip galvanizing plant regarding scope 1 and 2 emissions. All emissions from the plant’s processes are captured and cleaned using the latest BAT (best available techniques), which allow the plant to fall below the emission limits set by the EU BAT Directive,” Aurajoki’s Chief Development Officer, Mikko Mäkinen, reveals.
Hot-dip galvanizing is essential to steel product coating, making the steel durable and corrosion-free for decades. Instead of creating a traditional protective layer, the hot-dip galvanized product reacts directly with the steel, and the zinc repairs any damage caused during installation and use. It is also more cost-effective than other options, such as using paint.
Tamtron’s floor scales bring accuracy and efficiency
Tamtron’s floor scales are an excellent fit for heavy industrial use, such as in the metal and mining processing industries, because of their accuracy and durability. They are effective at Aurajoki’s facilities, where scales weigh large quantities of heavy raw materials daily.
The scales measure large and heavy loads accurately and reliably, which is critical for production processes, safety, and quality control. Accurate weighing data allows the customer to track production efficiency and avoid spoilage.
Because of the scales’ longevity, one investment can bring long-term benefits, minimize production stoppages, and maintain equipment cost-effectively. Tamtron tailors the floor scales to the customer’s needs, including measurements and the option to use them in unheated areas or equip the scales with car ramps, rendering them multi-functional. The scales also have connectivity to Tamton’s digital weighing service, mScales, which allows for transferring weighing data to the cloud and eases handling factory logistics and managing workflows.
“Aurajoki’s floor scales weigh the net amount of galvanized product, after which the product is finished, packaged, and sent to customers. The scales withstand loads of up to 15 tons, including the weight of a forklift, and they have a weighing capacity of 6,000 kilograms measured with an accuracy of two kilograms,” Haraholma continues.
The floor scales Aurajoki utilizes are also approved for commercial use. On top of simply weighing items, the scales support invoicing processes, which facilitates collaboration between Aurajoki and its customers and reduces the need for manual work.
Effective teamwork with Tamtron
Aurajoki and Tamtron have partnered up on several projects over time. Aside from work at the new hot-dip galvanizing plant, Tamtron has also supplied Aurajoki with scales for their units in Turku, Pirkkala, and Aura. All of the projects were successful overall.
“I can recommend Tamtron. The scales were delivered as agreed on schedule and without larger issues. Also, we have received support and answers to any issues we have encountered. One of the scales had to be repaired under the guarantee, and the repairs were done quickly,” Mäkinen concludes.
