Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy has implemented a fully electric industrial logistics solution at the Äänekoski Kerto® LVL mill in Finland. The solution covers everything from material handling to internal factory transportation, with all machinery and vehicles operating electrically. The setup enables tailpipe emission-free operations around the clock
Mantsinen Group-At the core of the solution are Volvo Trucks’ electric Volvo FMX Electric 8x4R and Volvo FMX Electric 6x4T trucks, along with Volvo Construction Equipment’s L120 Electric wheel loader. The machines are fully integrated into a continuous 24/7 logistics process. The solution has been designed specifically for a demanding industrial environment where equipment utilization rates are high and operational reliability is critical.
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That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
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Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
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It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
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Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
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Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
FIND US ON
The development and utilization of electrically powered material handling solutions have long been part of Mantsinen’s operations, and the transition to electric logistics operations was seen as a natural continuation of the company’s sustainability and development efforts.
“The manufacturing and operation of electrically powered material handling machines have long been part of Mantsinen’s core expertise. Electrifying industrial logistics operations was the next natural step in our development, and we have now found the right partner for it,” says Mikko Mantsinen, Fleet Manager at Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy.
A unique aspect of the logistics solution is the connection between material flows and energy production. Side streams generated at the mill are utilized in energy production, and the electricity generated is used to charge the electric fleet. This makes the solution exceptional also from a resource efficiency and circular economy perspective.
“The bark handled at the mill is burned in the plant’s own power facility to generate electricity. In practice, the operating energy for the machines comes from the very material they are handling,” Mantsinen explains.
Electrification Starts with Careful Planning
The factory environment provides excellent conditions for electrification, as operations are predictable and take place within a limited area. Routes, loads and work cycles can be analyzed accurately, enabling energy consumption and charging to be optimized as part of daily operations.
“A closed and predictable operating environment is ideal for electrification. The fleet operates within a limited area, and the charging infrastructure can be integrated directly into the operating environment,” says Janne Silvonen, Commercial and Technical Manager Electromobility at Volvo Trucks.
The solution was designed based on a detailed operational analysis, taking into account driving routes, load weights, work cycles, and loading and unloading times. The entire operation was simulated using tools specifically developed for electric heavy-duty transport before implementation.
The development and utilization of electrically powered material handling solutions have long been part of Mantsinen’s operations, and the transition to electric logistics operations was seen as a natural continuation of the company’s sustainability and development efforts.
“The manufacturing and operation of electrically powered material handling machines have long been part of Mantsinen’s core expertise. Electrifying industrial logistics operations was the next natural step in our development, and we have now found the right partner for it,” says Mikko Mantsinen, Fleet Manager at Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy.
A unique aspect of the logistics solution is the connection between material flows and energy production. Side streams generated at the mill are utilized in energy production, and the electricity generated is used to charge the electric fleet. This makes the solution exceptional also from a resource efficiency and circular economy perspective.
“The bark handled at the mill is burned in the plant’s own power facility to generate electricity. In practice, the operating energy for the machines comes from the very material they are handling,” Mantsinen explains.
Electrification Starts with Careful Planning
The factory environment provides excellent conditions for electrification, as operations are predictable and take place within a limited area. Routes, loads and work cycles can be analyzed accurately, enabling energy consumption and charging to be optimized as part of daily operations.
“A closed and predictable operating environment is ideal for electrification. The fleet operates within a limited area, and the charging infrastructure can be integrated directly into the operating environment,” says Janne Silvonen, Commercial and Technical Manager Electromobility at Volvo Trucks.
The solution was designed based on a detailed operational analysis, taking into account driving routes, load weights, work cycles, and loading and unloading times. The entire operation was simulated using tools specifically developed for electric heavy-duty transport before implementation.
Lower noise levels also improve occupational safety by enabling clearer and more effective communication on site.
Demand for Electric Heavy Equipment Is Growing Rapidly
Demand for electric transport vehicles and construction equipment is increasing rapidly. The operating ranges of the latest electric trucks already suit many distribution and industrial logistics applications, while advances in battery technology continue to improve energy efficiency and operational reliability. The popularity of electric construction equipment is also clearly growing.
This development is driven by tightening EU emissions regulations, companies’ own carbon neutrality targets, and the technological advancement of heavy-duty equipment.
At the same time, charging solutions are evolving rapidly. High-power charging, opportunity charging integrated into work cycles, and site-specific infrastructure design enable efficient fleet utilization even in continuous 24/7 operations. Especially in closed and predictable operating environments such as industrial sites, electric heavy-duty equipment is already a competitive alternative to traditional solutions.
Mantsinen Sets an Example for Industrial Electrification
Mantsinen’s implementation demonstrates that electric heavy-duty equipment is also suitable for demanding industrial use when the entire operation is designed correctly. In Äänekoski, the solution has enabled significant emission reductions without compromising operational efficiency or reliability. Although the amount of equipment has increased, overall emissions have been significantly reduced at the same time.
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Written by loggers for loggers and dedicated solely to the equipment used in forestry operations.