CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
Björneborg Steel
Björneborg Steel is a fully integrated forging company and controls the manufacturing process from scrap to finished product. The operations are located in Björneborg and Kristinehamn in Sweden with global sales.
Interviewees:
Mrs. Johanna Hallén, Steel Plant Manager | Petter Larsson, Electrical Specialist
Björneborg Steel started under new private ownership in 2019 but there has been continuous production and development at the site since 1656. The company has the largest free-form forging press in the Nordic countries and delivers anything from semi-finished products to completely finished products ready for assembly. The company has core competence in advanced processes for steel with high cleanliness, complex forgings and machining.
Reliable light for a safer, more sustainable steelworks
Björneborg Steel, a renowned Swedish steelworks with roots going back to 1656, continues its legacy of excellence with a clear vision for the future: becoming fossil-free by 2026.
To support this transformation, the company invested in upgrading its lighting — a change that not only improves energy efficiency but also significantly enhances the working environment and safety of its employees.
Challenge
The foundry’s production areas were previously illuminated by old high-pressure sodium luminaires, many of which had been supplied by I-Valo decades earlier.
As part of its modernization plan, Björneborg Steel needed a reliable, energy-efficient, and easy-to-install lighting solution suitable for harsh industrial conditions such as heat, dust, and vibration.
Solution
To support the decision-making process, I-Valo delivered sample luminaires for testing at the site, allowing the customer to evaluate performance and light quality in real operating conditions.
After comprehensive lighting design and energy saving calculations, the decision to continue with I-Valo luminaires was a natural one.
The new retrofit solution allowed existing installation brackets to be reused, making installation faster and more efficient while minimizing downtime.
With I-Valo’s proven filter technology and robust luminaire design, the new lighting system delivers consistent performance and low maintenance — essential for a demanding steel production environment.
“The experience has been entirely positive — the luminaires operate reliably without failures, even under high temperatures.”
– Petter Larsson, Electrical Specialist
Results
The difference was immediately visible. Employees experienced a brighter, safer, and more comfortable workspace, improving visibility, safety, and job satisfaction.
At the same time, the upgrade brought significant energy savings, aligning perfectly with Björneborg Steel’s sustainability goals.
“It’s made a huge difference to the staff working there – in safety, in the working environment, and as a step towards saving energy.”
– Johanna Hallén, Steel Plant Manager
Lighting partner
I-Valo’s partnership with Björneborg Steel reflects our commitment to providing reliable, durable, and sustainable lighting solutions for the world’s most demanding industrial environments.
We warmly thank Björneborg Steel, as well as our commercial partner Ahlsell Sverige AB, for their trust and excellent cooperation in this project. It is always a privilege to support partners who share our values of safety, efficiency, and sustainability — and to light the way forward together toward a brighter, cleaner industrial future.