Press release 2002-04-09

Hallsta Paper Mill north of Stockholm, Sweden is a world leading producer of mechanical printing paper; a specialist paper mill with some 1000 employees and an average annual output of 800 000 tonnes of paper. The whole plant shut down completely during 67 days early 2002 to prepare for and install a new paper machine. No less than 15 remote controlled demolition machines from Brokk AB were in operation around the clock, seven days a week, breaking up over 4000 cubic metres of concrete to make room for the new machine.

Having reached the impressive age of 35 years, one of Hallsta’s paper machines was due for replacement. The new investment required a major reconstruction of the very heart of the production facilities, a project that took almost a year to complete. The actual installation of the new 110 m long and 8.6 m wide machine necessitated a total production stop that lasted 67 days. The project was planned to the minute and as a production standstill in this type of industry is extremely costly, it was utterly important that each operation could be completed on schedule.

Main contractor NCC engaged a great number of sub-contractors and during certain periods more than 1000 persons worked on the site. Demolition and saw-cutting contractors have a key role in this type of industrial reconstruction as they clear the way for the new equipment and prepare for its connections. Main demolition contractors were Stockholms Borrkompani AB and its subsidiary R.Å.D. with Yngve Snällfot managing the crew; a veteran with more than 20 years’ experience from demanding demolition work in industrial environments.

Demolition work on industrial sites usually takes place indoors in confined areas which are difficult to access. There is always also a risk of falling debris, collapsing vaults, etc. The safest and most efficient demolition method is by means of compact, easily manoeuvrable, remote controlled machines. At the Hallsta project the majority of the work was done using Brokk demolition robots. During the busiest period no less than 51 men worked with demolition and the fifteen Brokk machines were at work around the clock, seven days a week, tearing up foundations, opening up walls, roofs, and floors. They also used the machines to remove broken concrete and debris in confined spaces. The machines that did the job were five Brokk 330, four Brokk 250, two Brokk 180 and four Brokk 150.

The toughest job was to remove the around ten reinforced concrete foundations of the old paper machine in the basement of the Hallsta plant, and tear down thick walls to open up for the much bigger new machine.

- The conditions were extremely difficult with very limited visibility and access. The Brokk operators were virtually forced to climb down to reach their positions, Yngve Snällfot explains.

There was an imminent risk of falling debris and the remote control was an absolute must.

Five Brokk 330 and two Brokk 250 were assigned to the heaviest demolition work in the basement and lower floors below the paper machine.

- I don’t know how we could have made it without the Brokk units. No other machines can offer that combination of breaking power and flexibility in difficult conditions. It is purpose-built and also specifically designed to go through rubble and overcome other obstacles on its way to its place of work, Yngve Snällfot concludes.