Pro-Tot is participating in a project to build a unique, industrial-scale production facility based on a completely new and previously untried concept for replacing fossil-based materials with bio-based ones. To support this significant project, a project company, Joensuu Biocoal Oy, has been established, with Taaleri Bioteollisuus Oy responsible for its management.
This project is one of Europe’s largest biochar plants, which will produce torrefied biomass – a domestic and renewable alternative to fossil raw materials. It can directly replace, for example, coal, which is used in existing power stations and in heavy process industries. “As processes are being made greener, there is also a need for green carbon, for example in the production of fossil-free steel,” explains Iiro Tiilikainen, Project Manager at Taaleri Bioteollisuus.
Pro-Tori’s versatility and vision made an impression
A unique project of this kind requires professional and flexible cooperation between different parties in order to be realised. Taaleri Bioindustry’s aim has been to source services and equipment locally as much as possible. There are many advantages to sourcing locally: social acceptance of the new operation, lower travel costs and greater operational flexibility. The aim of the project was to provide employment for Finns, something that is not often the case on large construction sites these days, as the workforce for major installation projects is frequently sourced from abroad.
According to Tiilikainen, the following factors also influenced the decision to choose Pro-Tot as a partner: “They were the right partner for us from both a financial and a delivery capacity perspective. What’s more, their attitude was excellent. As this was the first plant ever to be built using this technology on this scale, Pro-Tot asked some good questions, and although we were unable to provide precise answers to all of them, they had sufficient prior expertise and their own understanding of what we were planning to do. For these reasons, they were able to draw up their own implementation plans rather than simply acting as an extension of our team.”
Whilst looking for a contractor for equipment installation and process pipework, Taaleri Bioteollisuus was impressed by Pro-Tot’s approach to business and the fact that they could provide a service covering both their needs. It’s extremely efficient to have a single contractor who can install the equipment and build the pipework to form a coherent whole that’s compatible with the equipment. “An installation firm that handles both is important to us. They build a fully functional plant from Lego bricks,” says Tiilikainen. This eliminates the need for unnecessary adjustments, as the pipeworker and the installer are colleagues from the same company and, so to speak, are on the same page.
Thank you for your flexibility and for exceeding our expectations
The collaboration has, in fact, gone exactly as expected. Pro-Tot has earned Tiilikainen’s full confidence based on their collaboration so far. He has been pleased with what he has seen and heard. When it comes to communication, he says Pro-Tot has struck the right balance, as matters have been dealt with as and when necessary. “We don’t make unnecessary calls over minor issues, but when there’s a reason to, we do,” Tiilikainen notes.
Furthermore, Pro-Tot has demonstrated flexibility, resilience and the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances, as well as courage, skill and proactivity in challenging situations, such as delivery problems with a supplier and the integration of a new plant into the existing facility. “We’ve understood that the client (Joensuu Biocoal Oy) needs to get the plant up and running, and everyone is working towards that. We don’t constantly worry about whether a particular task falls within my remit or not,” says Tiilikainen.
Taaleri Bioteollisuus would like to extend special thanks to Pro-Tot for delivering more than they could have asked for. They say it is great that the installation company is already reporting on and developing the next plant. “We’re extremely pleased with the whole team, and especially with Markku Kärkkäinen, who, thanks to his long and varied background, has been able to put forward good suggestions on how certain aspects should be implemented in potential future plants. It’s important to think a bit bigger and further ahead than just the task at hand,” says Tiilikainen.
All in all, the collaboration throughout the project has been rewarding and effective. Both parties have supported one another and resolved any issues that have arisen in pursuit of a common goal. Tiilikainen’s first impression of Pro-Tot has proved to be correct: “They are what you might call ‘old-school’ people. Once you’ve shaken hands, you do as agreed. You can trust a man’s word; that’s how we roll, and the job gets done.”
We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future
Tiilikainen would be happy to work with Pro-Tot again on future projects requiring installation and pipework. He has also recommended Pro-Tot to a company that is expanding its operations and building a new facility. He has sought to open doors and bring people together. “It’s definitely worth others at least getting in touch with them and asking for a quote. You never know if it’ll be a match made in heaven, but you won’t find out unless you ask,” says Tiilikainen.
"It’s worth others at least getting in touch (with Pro-Tot) and asking for a quote. You never know if it’ll be a match made in heaven, but you won’t find out unless you ask."
Iiro Tiilikainen, Project Manager, Taaleri Bioindustry
