Outokumpu invests in improved crane safety, expands Access_Ctrl to an additional 50 cranes

Outokumpu is expanding its use of Åkerströms’ digital service Access_Ctrl at its production facility in Avesta, Sweden. The new agreement covers an additional 50 cranes and marks the next step in the companies’ long-standing collaboration, with a shared focus on safe and efficient crane operations.

Åkerströms and Outokumpu have worked together for several decades. Throughout the years, their partnership has been characterised by close collaboration, mutual trust and a shared commitment to developing reliable solutions for industrial applications.

Around a year ago, Access_Ctrl was installed on six cranes at Outokumpu’s facility in Avesta. Following a successful evaluation, Outokumpu has now decided to expand its use to an additional 50 cranes. The solution will therefore cover at least 56 connected cranes at the facility.

Access_Ctrl complements Åkerströms’ robust radio remote control systems with digital access management and support for daily inspections. The service strengthens Outokumpu’s existing safety procedures by ensuring that only crane operators with the required authorisation and training can access critical lifting cranes and overhead cranes. By recording the daily crane inspection directly in the transmitter and automatically saving it in the system, documentation and follow-up are simplified, while the risk of missed inspections is reduced.

– Safety is our highest priority and a fundamental part of how we work every day. Access_Ctrl complements our existing safety procedures and gives us better opportunities to manage access permissions and daily inspections in a consistent and digital way. In addition, we expect the solution to help reduce costs related to unplanned maintenance, says Angelica Olsson, Head of Safety & Sustainability at Outokumpu.

The new agreement is an important milestone for Åkerströms and Access_Ctrl. It also demonstrates how digital services can strengthen established safety practices and create additional value in day-to-day operations.

– We are very proud of the continued trust Outokumpu has placed in us. Our collaboration goes back several decades and has remained both close and successful throughout the years. Outokumpu’s decision to expand Access_Ctrl from six to at least 56 cranes is clear evidence of the value the solution provides and of our shared commitment to continuing to improve safety, says Hanna Landell, CEO of Åkerströms.

The agreement runs for two years and includes Access_Ctrl as a digital service, together with the associated equipment. The investment creates the conditions for broad and consistent use of Access_Ctrl at Outokumpu’s facility in Avesta.

About Access_Ctrl
Access_Ctrl is Åkerströms’ digital service for access management and the safe use of industrial equipment. The service makes it possible to control which operators are authorised to use a specific crane or machine and supports digital, documented daily inspections. Together with Åkerströms’ radio remote control systems, Access_Ctrl contributes to a safer, more controlled and efficient working environment.

About Outokumpu
Outokumpu’s vision is to be the pioneer in materials and technologies that shape the future. As a global leader in sustainable stainless steel, we accelerate the green transition and lead the development of low-CO₂ metals and solutions across the entire stainless steel value chain and beyond. Outokumpu employs approximately 8,600 people in nearly 30 countries, with its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland.

In Sweden, Outokumpu has approximately 1,500 employees, the majority of whom work at the production facility in Avesta. The facility has a long tradition of steel production and covers the entire production chain, from steelmaking and hot and cold rolling to finishing lines and research and development. Avesta specialises in advanced stainless steel grades as well as wide and thick materials.