Celebrating 75 years of combined excellence in Svanehøj’s production

We proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary of no less than three employees: Torben Nymark, Allan Ajana, and Morten Tandrup, all employed in Svanehøj production at our headquarters in Aalborg (Svenstrup J.), Denmark. Their combined 75 years of employment mark the essence of our success – that people are our most valuable assets.

Twenty-five years ago, Torben Nymark started his career as an industrial technician in Svanehøj. Torben has been employed in the workshop from the start, performing pressure tests on pipes and operating the lathes, among other tasks. Comparably, Allan Ajana began his 25-year journey in Svanehøj as an industrial technician before transitioning into quality control four years ago. Here, he gathers instruments for calibration. As for Morten Tandrup, his career in Svanehøj started as soon as he finished his blacksmithing training.

Lean, automation, and changing ownerships

Since the three jubilarians first began working in Svanehøj, they have experienced significant advancements in Svanehøj’s production facilities and procedures. Over the years, changing ownerships have played a crucial role in implementing new automated processes and ways of working. Adding to this, committed employees have always been instrumental in driving innovation.

Svanehøj has in recent years embraced lean methodologies to automate procedures and streamline production, resulting in advanced and efficient production techniques backed by significant investments.

- When I started working in Svanehøj, the production facility had very few CNC machines. We utilized manual lathes instead. Today, we work much more efficiently. I think that it’s safe to say that investments reflect efficiency. We have seen a shift towards the green transition, which has significantly increased investments here in Svanehøj., Torben Nymark explains.

- Compared to earlier, a lot more products are being shipped out, and the orders are larger. We also provide a wider selection of products, with fuel pumps serving as the brand's flagship. A lot is going on as a result of the green transition. We are developing more types of pumps, and we keep developing, Morten Tandrup adds.

- Many of the engineers have been here for forty years, and they too have gone through the transition to a more unified Svanehøj. Before, the various departments in Svanehøj didn’t collaborate with each other in the way, we do today. We're no longer siloed; departments work across the board, sparring with and listening to each other, Allan Ajana concludes.

Innovation Lab introduces new ways to collaborate

One of the newest additions to innovation in Svanehøj is the Innovation Lab. Today, Svanehøj focuses on producing volume products like pipes and shafts. Minor components are outsourced, allowing Svanehøj to concentrate on high-volume items.

- Previously, if R&D came up with drawings on something that was impossible for us to make, it would cause a lot of wasted time. With our Innovation Lab, we have really seen a positive change in the way, we develop and produce. Unlike the traditional way of producing pumps on demand, we now have a close collaboration with R&D. Production is consulted even in the earlier stages of development, Torben Nymark says.

- We also take ideas to the R&D department from the production site, as we know they are flexible and open to ideas coming from us. This makes everyone’s job less restricted because you can work closely with other departments. Today, we are involved in the making of pumps, developing them, and testing them. The green wave has certainly introduced this, and of course, we would like to get an even bigger slice of the gas pump pie, Morten Tandrup adds.

- It is very motivating that all departments listen to each other and find inspiration from each other's expertise, Allan Ajana agrees.

The well-being of employees drives the business

All three jubilarians agree that Svanehøj is a great place to work, which is evident from the number of employee anniversaries.

- There are lots of opportunities to nurture good teamwork. We have a very active employee association that organizes a lot of events. This has increased with both HR and communication getting more focus, Allan Ajana says.

- A good work environment fosters good teamwork. All people in Svanehøj can expand their career, switch to a different department, or pursue further education. Here, you have the freedom to pursue additional training, providing opportunities for personal growth, Morten Tandrup adds.

From the left: Torben Nymark, Morten Tandrup, and Allan Ajana.