Just inside the entrance to Haugaland Næringspark, Ølen Betong'snew landmark building has risen. And what looks majestic from the outside is no less impressive on the inside. Concrete has been used here in every conceivable variation, and the focus on efficient and renewable energy technology offers great advantages.
- We were inspired by buildings with good environmental credentials, made it more concrete-like and adapted it to our needs. On the roof, we have solar panels that will actually cover 85% of the building's annual electricity needs. We expect to produce a total of 106,000 kWh a year all by ourselves, resulting in big savings on the electricity bill In addition, we have six underground energy wells that control the underfloor heating in the halls and the cooling throughout the building, and we have a 30,000 liter accumulation tank that collects water on the property and rainwater from the roof. This will be used in our washing plant," says Svein Atle Berge, CEO of Nordic Concrete Group - the owner company of Ølen Betong.
The building is energy-labeled with class green A, and the various energy solutions create synergies through a common energy center. The group of which Ølen Betong is a part has 63 different production units around the country, and the investment in solar energy in Haugaland Næringspark is seen as an interesting project.
- I have to admit that it was extra cool to receive the first invoice from Haugaland Kraft, with a separate line for credit. Especially when electricity has become as expensive as it is today. It will be exciting to follow this in the future and maybe we can do this in more places," says Berge.
The business park has several location advantages
Ølen Betong was the first company to buy a plot in Haugaland Næringspark, and has been there since 2012.
- We needed a new mixing plant, and saw the business park as an ideal location with the upcoming T-connection and entrance to Rogfast. Over time, we've also bought several plots in the park, giving us good access to stone, which is a resource in our production. We needed a new car workshop, increased production capacity for special products and an administration building. In addition, the sales warehouse for water and wastewater products has been moved from Haugesund to Gismarvik. "The site in Ølen is full, and in Gismarvik we got virgin land to build on. So we've been able to build as big as we wanted. This has enabled us to both increase production and gather several other activities at one address," explains Berge.
Part of the idea of expanding the businesses in Haugaland Business Park has also been to get closer to the regional center.
- It's important for us to be attractive in the job market, and the supply is naturally greater in Tysvær, Haugesund and Karmøy than at home in Ølensvåg. With our location at the entrance to Rogfast, we'll also be closer to Stavanger in a few years' time. The location also makes the new administration building a natural meeting place, both with customers and partners from outside who will then have a short distance from the airport, and for other types of gatherings. "Here we can receive visitors, hold courses and have social events - with a short distance for everyone. We think the building gives us many good opportunities for growth and development," says Berge.
Locally sourced concrete products
The business park's central location with its own port facility also provides efficient logistics, which contributes to good and sustainable transportation of raw materials and goods. The fact that Ølen Betong has plenty of stone on its own site simplifies distribution and enables short-distance deliveries both in the park itself and to the surrounding region. This could make a big difference to both the financial and environmental accounts of companies setting up in Norway's largest industrial park.
- "We have enough stone here for another 10-15 years, and with our current annual production, we'll probably save 50 boatloads a year from Ryfylket," says Berge.
Test station to ensure increased sustainability
In 2020, Ølen Betong received the Climate Prize for its focus on waste management and recycling.
- Asphalt has come a long way when it comes to reuse, and we need to do the same for concrete. Through the Green Concrete project, we have looked at solutions for this, and have now set aside 10 acres in Haugaland Business Park for a separate test station for handling sludge and the future reuse of concrete residues. The goal must be a good circular economy where as much as possible can go back into production. The idea is to collect residues and surplus material from our own production units in the region and reuse it here," says Berge.
Administration center
In 2018, Ølen Betong merged the concrete part of its business with Kongsvinger Betong and established Nordic Concrete Group, which has become a nationwide player.
- "We did this to sharpen our activities, gather joint functions and become a strong Norwegian player. We are large in both Stavanger and Bergen, and Haugaland Næringspark is very centrally located for us. In total, we have around 700 employees, operate 63 different factories and have established systems that make it easy to expand.
The companies in Nordic Concrete Group had gross sales of approximately NOK 3.5 billion in 2020.
