Genelec has opened a brand new extension to its lakeside factory in Iisalmi, Finland. Using the latest technologies, the extension will significantly increase the space, flexibilityand efficiency of the company’s warehousing and logistics operations, while ensuring that the entire facility is now powered exclusively by sustainable sources including solar, wind and hydroelectric energy.
The current factory by Porovesi Lake in Iisalmi was built in 1985 with an architectural design that complements its natural surroundings, and was designed to significantly reduce energy wastage through its use of heat recovery and generous insulation of walls, ceiling and windows.
The factory moved from oil to a combination of wind and hydroelectric energy supply many years ago, and the new extension now brings solar energy to the mix courtesy of over 450 roof-mounted solar panels which will supply 30% of Genelec’s annual power.
The expansion project was managed by Genelec development engineer Annika Hujanen, and provides almost 2000 sq.m of floor space for warehousing and logistics alone, with considerable additional space for customer support offices, a centralised automation control centreand efficient waste processing. In keeping with Genelec’s environmental policies all architects, designers and contractors were chosen for the project based on both their sustainability credentials and their close proximity to Iisalmi, resulting in less travel, better material logistics, and reduced waste and CO2 emissions.
Genelec MD Siamak Naghian said:“The company has strategically regarded environmental issues as being equally important as profitability, and while our consistent growth in business has been the catalyst for this factory expansion, that growth has to be maintained sustainably. Continuing to keep our entire manufacturing base here in Iisalmi means that we can always guarantee not only the premium total quality of our products, but also that our entire design and manufacturing process helps to conserve our precious natural resources.”