Background
Steel production consumes a lot of energy and creates large
amounts of waste. Future societies that are based on sustainable
development will also be dependent on steel, but there will be
tough demands for reduced power consumption, that excess
energy is put to use and that waste is reduced and put back
into the eco-cycle. In our region of Sweden, Bergslagen, there
are many companies that are well placed to develop, produce
and sell products for long-term, sustainable development in the
steel industry. Bergslagen's many steel manufacturers comprise
a large and demanding domestic market that provides the right
conditions for developing and achieving world class products.
The global need for equipment, systems or "know how" in this
area is large and growing rapidly.
Gradual build-up
The first stage of the Clean Production Centre was fi nished
in January 2009 and laid a foundation for the building of a
cluster. Thirty companies are now part of this cluster and
their number is increasing. The cluster's activities have been
organised into business platforms. Two platforms have been
established and another two are being planned or are at the
start-up stage. Thus far within the platforms 19 development
projects have been identifi ed. Three of them are on the way to
becoming commercial, while the others are at different stages
of evaluation/development. The cluster's working methods and
cooperative forms are under construction. In total, around 50
people are involved in the cluster project.
Clean Production Centre
Clean Production Centre provides project management, external
analysis, network building and functions as a "way in" to these
companies' constructions and products.
The local companies in Bergslagen know how to build robust
constructions for tough conditions. Clean Production Centre
looks for cutting-edge companies around the world and jointly
tests their constructions at our demanding steel producers.
In the autumn of 2009, an international website will be built to
begin the marketing of this cluster's new, green technology for
a global market.
Clean Production Centre has its head offi ce in the Företagarhuset
building in Hofors. The unit, which was originally run by Hofors
Municipality, is now run as part of Triple Steelix. This is a regional
development project that involves eight municipalities, three
counties, eight major steel companies and around 200 smaller
companies in Bergslagen. The project holder is Jernkontoret -
the Swedish Steel Producers' Association.
The aim is to boost the steel cluster in Bergslagen. In addition
to Triple Steelix, activities are fi nanced by the EU's regional
development fund, Region Gävleborg and Hofors, Sandviken
and Ockelbo municipalities. However, its greatest resource is
the companies' efforts and achievements.
Contact:
Patrick Olsson,
Project manager,
office +46 290 29417 ,
mobile +46 70 3141355,
e-mail patrick@cleanproduction.se
Visit us at the WWW (Soon in English) www.cleanproduction.se