Leading Norwegian chicken producer, Norsk Kylling, is currently building a new state-of-the-art factory in Orkanger, projected to be finished in the Autumn of 2021. In a competitive tender process, Linde ultimately came across as the strongest gas supplier candidate, meeting a long list of strict requirements.
Linde (formerly AGA) has, for a number of years, been Norsk Kylling's preferred partner when it comes to gas delivery to their Støren-facility. Now that a new factory is being built in Orkdal, Linde will continue to be the supplier. Recently, four new gas tanks that will supply nitrogen, oxygen and CO2 to the new factory, were installed.
- We needed to both modernize and improve the capacity so that we can deliver in the best possible way in the entire value chain, says, Håvard Staverløkk, project manager at Norsk Kylling in Orkanger and adds: - We shall excel in everything we do!
Competitive tender
In 2019, Norsk Kylling initiated a procurement process for gas-suppliers for the new factory. Although they have had a long-lasting relation with Linde, they decided to start from scratch.
- We were looking for an A-Z supplier, and the competition was tough, Staverløkk explains.
The suppliers were evaluated on price, quality and reputation.
- After reviewing all the applications based on these criteria, Linde came out on top, and we signed an agreement.
- We have worked with Norsk Kylling for many years, says Kjell Arne Strauman, sales engineer in Linde.
- Therefore, it was extra exciting when participating in this tender. However, we were reasonably confident, because of our good relationship and our ability to deliver in terms of competence, quality, delivery ability and price, he says.
State-of-the-art facility
The factory will be the world’s most modern facility of its kind, and will have a much higher degree of automation than the current factory. The gases supplied by Linde will be used for sedating chicken, cooling and product packaging.
- In order to deliver chicken products of the highest quality, the gases also have to meet these standards, Staverløkk explains. We depend on our suppliers having a high level of know-how on all levels, and I feel we get that from Linde.
The factory is expected to be completed in the Autumn of 2021 and will be the hub in a massive investment in agriculture and food production throughout Norsk Kylling's value chain for white meat in Central Norway. The plant will have innovative solutions for automation and capacity. It will also be adapted to the energy system of the future through the use of renewable energy and industrial excess heat.
