Smart Service at Hitachi Energy – a solution that makes a difference
When the need is great and the demands are high – you need a solution that works in reality.
The relationship between Swedol and Hitachi Energy is far from new. Already in the 1990s, Järnmagasinet (which later became part of TOOLS and Swedol) in Ludvika was a trusted supplier to the Ludvika factory, delivering large volumes and operating a local store serving the factory. But the business changed over time, and for several years Swedol was out of the picture. It wasn’t until 2021 that Swedol won back the contract – not by luck, but through determined work and a team with deep understanding of Swedish industry.
-We knew that Hitachi Energy needed more than just a supplier. They needed a solution that could meet their high demands for availability, control, and efficiency. That’s where we came in with Smart Service – and it became a gamechanger, says Erik Severin, KAM at Swedol.
From comeback to trust
Once the agreement was in place, installation of Safe Stock cabinets began across the Ludvika site. The following year came Smart Cabinet Scale – a solution that quickly proved its strength. With seven units in the HW Breakers department, Hitachi Energy took its first step toward a new type of material management. Today, Smart Service is an integral part of everyday life for thousands of employees.
-We immediately saw that this was the right path. Smart Service is not just technology – it’s a way of working that provides control, availability, and simplicity. It simplifies daily routines for both warehouse staff and buyers, and the impact is felt throughout the organization, says Erik Severin.
The collaboration has evolved into more than a supplier relationship. Swedol is now an integrated part of Hitachi Energy’s daily operations. New initiatives such as PPE Store – an unmanned store for protective equipment – and Welding Store – a fully automated solution for welding materials – show how the partnership continues to develop. These solutions are not just technical innovations, but responses to concrete needs in a complex industrial environment.
Why it works – and keeps growing
Behind the success lies a dedicated team and a clear philosophy: to solve the customer’s needs before they even arise. It’s about simplicity, order, and being present where it truly makes a difference.
-The secret is that we listen. We are there, we see what’s needed, and we act. It’s the simplicity of the solution and the order it creates that make it work so well – and that’s something the customer highlights time and again, says Erik Severin.
The collaboration with Hitachi Energy is more than a contract. It’s an example of how to build long-term relationships with major industrial customers.
-Swedol is not just present – we are embedded. With every installation and every solved challenge, we show that world-class service delivers world-class results, concludes Erik.
