KOPAVOGUR, ICELAND (Nov. 9, 11:45 a.m. ET) — Iceland's Promens hf has turned to green energy for its latest investment at its expanding rotational molding plant in Dalvik in northern Iceland.
Last month, it installed the facility's third rotomolding oven supplied by Reinhard India. The oven, the world's biggest of its kind run on electricity, rather than oil or gas, makes use of Iceland's plentiful supplies of hydro and geothermal energy.
The Icelandic plant molds a range of sturdy insulated polyethylene tubs used in various segments of the food processing industry, primarily still for fresh fish.
Its latest rotomolding equipment is the centerpiece of a newly constructed 840 square meter production hall, which has enough space to accommodate a fourth oven as demand for Dalvik's packaging grows.
Promens, based in Kopavogur, said it had been keen for some time to make greater use of the country's abundant green energy in its local production. Switching to the electric oven not only improves its carbon footprint but also provides a better working environment for its Dalvik workforce, the firm said.
“In the future, we intend to transform our two current fossil fuel ovens to electricity as well. We feel it is important to make our contribution to improving our environment and it makes good business sense as well,” said Dadi Valdimarsson, vice-president of Promens's materials handling business.
The new oven operates at 400 degrees C and the new production hall also is equipped with a state-of-the-art cooling system for molds after they emerge from the oven.
The expansion project was partly prompted by continuing growth in the meat industry which is one food processing market for which Promens has developed insulated tubs. Dalvik is the center of the firm's insulated tub business which comprises four plants, including other European units in north western Spain and Norway.
Promens Dalvik sells its containers locally as well as exporting to 60 countries worldwide, with most supplied in Europe.
