Saxlund to manage handling of bio-chips/recycled wood for Vattenfall

Saxlund, the recently acquired subsidiary of Opcon AB, the energy and environmental technology Group, has been given responsibility for delivery of external bio-chips/recycled wood handling at the expansion of Vattenfall’s combined heat and power plant in Jordbro, Sweden. The order is the largest handling order in Saxlund International’s history and is worth around SEK 30 million plus options worth several more million Swedish krona. The delivery will take place in 2009/2010. The plant, half of which comprises Saxlund’s own products, is being expanded to handle waste wood that has a moisture content of around 30% as well as bio-chips with a moisture content of around 40%. A magnetic separator is being fitted to separate metal prior to additional recycling. “The acquisition of Saxlund has given us a strong base on the expanding bioenergy market where Opcon combines both experience and innovation in energy and environmental technology. It is hard to find anyone with more valuable experience of handling solid biofuels and recycled material than Saxlund. 15 years ago Saxlund supplied handling equipment when the combined heating and power plant was built in Jordbro. The company is being given responsibility for biofuel handling now that Vattenfall is expanding this activity 15 years later. Customers returning with new orders is the best testimony we can get,” says Rolf Hasselström, President and CEO of Opcon AB. Saxlund is a part of Opcon’s expanding Renewable Energy business area and its focus on Waste to Value and Bioenergy. Saxlund currently has a very strong position not least in the Nordic region, where the company has done business for over 40 years. The Group operates with subsidiaries on the fast-growing German and UK markets, which feature high electricity prices, a rising environmental awareness, and subsidies for renewable energy production. The Group is also represented in other countries via 25 partners. In addition to activities within bioenergy, Saxlund supplies equipment for sludge, slag, ash and waste handling.