Sverdrup Steel Enhances Operational Efficiency with Automated Loading System
In early 2024, Sverdrup Steel, a leading supplier of high-quality stainless steel and nickel-based alloys, inaugurated its new 13,000 sqm service centre in Hedensted, Denmark. This strategic location was chosen to streamline logistics and enhance alloy processing, serving key industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The company is renowned for its rapid delivery and commitment to high standards, ensuring top-tier materials reach clients efficiently.
One of the major challenges Sverdrup faced at its previous service centre in Kløfta, Norway was loading heavy and large containers, often weighing several metric tons, with many products requiring manual handling in adverse weather conditions. These operations were time-consuming, unsafe, and inefficient. However, with the establishment of the new service centre, Sverdrup sought to revolutionize its loading process by introducing an automated solution to address these concerns.
The Challenge: Heavy Loads and Adverse Weather Conditions
At the Kløfta service centre, handling heavy containers in difficult weather conditions had been a significant obstacle. Steel products, which could weigh several metric tons, required intensive manual labour, often performed outdoors despite the unpredictable Scandinavian weather. The cold temperatures, humidity, rain, and snow led to condensation and humidity, which in turn posed a serious threat to the integrity of steel products. Sudden temperature fluctuations could cause rust and corrosion, damaging high-value materials.
Moreover, traditional loading methods posed safety risks for personnel operating forklifts near heavy machinery, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents. Inefficiencies in the process also resulted in delays, hampering supply chain operations and increasing labour costs.
The Solution: LoadPlate® Semi-Automated Loading System
Sverdrup Steel’s solution to these challenges came in the form of LoadPlate®, a semi-automated loading system developed by Actiw, a subsidiary of The Joloda Hydraroll Group. LoadPlate® was the ideal system to streamline the loading process, enhance safety, and maintain the high standards of quality that Sverdrup Steel is known for.
The semi-automated system was installed at the new service centre under controlled indoor conditions to eliminate the risks posed by adverse weather and temperature extremes. The state-of-the-art facility provided the perfect environment for LoadPlate®, ensuring that the products were loaded safely and efficiently, without being exposed to the elements.
By installing the system indoors, Sverdrup Steel guaranteed that its high-performance alloy materials would remain unaffected by weather conditions. This allowed the company to maintain product quality and ensure that deliveries were made in pristine condition.
Transforming Operations: Faster, Safer, and Cost-Effective
The results of implementing LoadPlate® have been transformative. What used to take several hours to load now takes less than five minutes, greatly improving vehicle turnaround times. This improvement in loading efficiency has had a profound impact on Sverdrup Steel’s overall operations, streamlining the entire supply chain.
Labour costs have been dramatically reduced as the system requires only one operator, eliminating the need for forklifts or external contractors. Furthermore, the electric operation of the LoadPlate® system reduces energy costs and contributes to a lower environmental impact.
Safety improvements have been significant as well. By reducing the need for personnel to be near heavy machinery during loading, the system has significantly minimized the risk of accidents. LoadPlate®’s precise and automated operation has also nearly eliminated product damage, which was a major issue with traditional manual loading methods.
The Final Impact: Optimised Workflows and Enhanced Quality
Sverdrup Steel’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in the implementation of LoadPlate®, which has not only optimized workflows but also reinforced the company’s commitment to high-quality standards. By automating a traditionally labour-intensive process, Sverdrup Steel has reduced its operational costs while ensuring the integrity of its products and the safety of its workers.
As the service centre became fully operational in January 2025, Mats Benson, Chief Operations Officer at Sverdrup Steel, commented: LoadPlate® has transformed our operations—loading that used to take hours now takes minutes. The reduction in labour and equipment costs has been substantial, and most importantly, we’ve improved safety standards, which is a top priority for us.
The adoption of LoadPlate® marks a significant step in Sverdrup Steel’s journey towards greater operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
• Sverdrup Steel installed LoadPlate®, a semi-automated loading system, at its new service centre in Hedensted, Denmark.
• The loading process, which previously took several hours, now takes under five minutes, drastically improving operational efficiency.
• Labour costs have been reduced, as only one operator is needed, and external contractors and forklifts are no longer required.
• The LoadPlate® system is electric, reducing both energy costs and the environmental impact of loading operations.
• By loading indoors in a controlled climate, Sverdrup Steel protects its high-performance steel products from weather-related damage such as condensation and humidity.
• Safety has been significantly improved, with fewer personnel operating near heavy machinery, reducing the risk of accidents.
• The implementation of LoadPlate® has streamlined Sverdrup Steel’s supply chain operations and reinforced the company’s reputation for quality and innovation.
• The new service centre, fully operational since January 2025, highlights Sverdrup Steel’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.
By embracing automation and innovation, Sverdrup Steel has set a new standard in the steel industry for efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.
