PROXIMITY AS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP
The collaboration with HydraSpecma began in 2015, coinciding with the establishment of AMV’s subsidiary, AMV Equipment AB, in Sunne, Sweden. HydraSpecma was chosen as a supplier of hydraulic components. For AMV, the proximity to HydraSpecma’s site in Karlstad was important because it enabled quick deliveries and visits for consultations and check-ins. The partnership was quickly cemented, and AMV became interested in expanding it to include the parent company as well.

   – We wanted to reduce the number of suppliers to have fewer contact points and instead deepen collaboration with a few. HydraSpecma had proven to be a reliable full-service supplier for AMV Equipment AB, and that was exactly the kind of relationship we wanted to have in Flekkefjord as well, explains Peder Andersen, CEO of AMV AS.

HYDRASPECMA ESTABLISHED IN FLEKKEFJORD
In 2018, an agreement was signed making HydraSpecma the main supplier of line components, hydraulics, and centralized lubrication for both AMV AS and AMV Equipment AB. Initially, deliveries were made from HydraSpecma’s warehouse in Karlstad, with an agreement to establish a presence in Flekkefjord in the near future.

In 2019, AMV invested in an industrial park in Flekkefjord, allowing them to rent premises to HydraSpecma and other suppliers. Jörgen Oskarsson, currently Area Sales Manager at HydraSpecma, was the site manager at HydraSpecma in Flekkefjord and led the effort to set up the site and to service AMV with components and expert support.

   – We made regular visits to AMV to restock their inventory. The close contact allowed us to quickly get to know the employees and address any questions. We could immediately inspect the machinery and help find the right components, which simplified everything, says Jörgen.

Today, five employees work at HydraSpecma’s site in Flekkefjord, managing AMV’s daily needs for hydraulic components, pressing hoses, assembling hose kits, and other pre-assembled hydraulic products. Additionally, a hydraulic technician has been hired to coordinate closely with AMV and to solve technical challenges on-site.

   – HydraSpecma is a strong supplier of hydraulic components. They can manage inventory for us, providing delivery reliability that allows us to maintain our desired production pace. We’ve also saved time and achieved consistent quality, thanks to the hydraulic solutions developed for us. In addition, HydraSpecma contributes with its expertise and allows it to spill over to our organization in a positive way, says Peder.

CONTRIBUTING HYDRAULIC EXPERTISE TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
AMV continuously works on new innovations and customer adaptations. The development priorities are primarily driven by three factors: the green transition, efficiency, and operator working conditions. New development projects are planned based on these.

In these projects, HydraSpecma is brought in as a hydraulic expert and collaborates with AMV’s team to optimize applications for customer needs. Many projects involve reviewing existing hydraulic systems to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, as well as carrying out new development projects. HydraSpecma has participated in three major new development projects from the start: a wheel loader, a tunnel boring machine, and an element setter.

The wheel loader project began in 2018 and was the first new development project where HydraSpecma was involved from the start. HydraSpecma was part of the entire process, contributing design, simulations, and the delivery of all line, hydraulic, and centralized lubrication components. The wheel loader is now in production.

   – Having HydraSpecma involved in the wheel loader project meant a lot to us. They took total responsibility for the hydraulics and played a significant role in developing a machine that met the high standards we set. Today, we are very pleased with the capacity and reliability of the wheel loader, says Peder.

In 2019, a project began to develop a machine that lifts cement slabs into place on tunnel walls using a vacuum after drilling is completed. The machine is built on a truck chassis, with hydraulic power generated by pumps mounted on the chassis’s power take-off. HydraSpecma also participated throughout this project within their area of expertise.

Currently, AMV is working with HydraSpecma designers on the development of a tunnel boring machine, the Mini TBM, which will be used in major infrastructure projects in Norway. It is a powerful machine designed to drill tunnels for water. Testing is scheduled to begin in December 2024 and will continue through 2025.

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS DRIVE DEVELOPMENT
The close collaboration between AMV and HydraSpecma benefits both parties. The breadth and complexity of the projects utilize and challenge HydraSpecma’s entire expertise, from efficient delivery of hydraulic components and solutions to specialized knowledge in development projects. Morgan Åslund, Sales Manager at HydraSpecma AS, has worked with AMV since 2015 and has closely followed the development.

   – Collaborating with AMV, especially on development projects, has been extremely interesting and educational for us. Their strong focus on sustainability and efficiency pushes us to stretch boundaries and develop solutions that meet future demands. By combining our hydraulic expertise with AMV’s deep industry knowledge, we can create advanced and energy-efficient systems that truly make a difference for the customer, says Morgan.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT
Peder foresees a positive market development for AMV. Several major infrastructure projects are planned in both Norway and Sweden where AMV’s machines will play a significant role.

To succeed, it is also important to continue optimizing and creating solutions that are sustainable for the environment, customers, and operators. Peder sees growing demand for digital services, making it increasingly important to measure and monitor work digitally for improved control. Additionally, there are demands for energy improvements and electrification. Energy must be utilized more efficiently, as it is not an infinite resource. Thus, a significant focus is on reviewing the hydraulic system and finding new opportunities to optimize it.

   – We are satisfied with our collaboration with HydraSpecma. We have good dialogue and communication, which is the key to success. Through our partnership, we can continue to optimize our hydraulic systems and develop sustainable solutions, which are crucial to meeting the growing demand for energy efficiency and digital services in future projects. HydraSpecma contributes hydraulic expertise and innovative solutions that allow us to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible, concludes Peder.