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From October 22-25, 2024 we will be at EuroBLECH in Hanover – The international technology trade fair for sheet metal working.
Visit us in Hall 12, Stand B01, where we will present our highly effective filter solutions for smoke and dust pollution: mobile filter units, modular filters, extraction arms, and fans. You can also experience our powerful FUMEX CMF W3 live—the W3-certified filter unit for mobile use.
Contact us for a free entry ticket (info@fumex.de). We look forward to meeting you in Hanover!
Hall: 12
Stand: B01
In industries and environments with high sanitary standards, such as pharmaceutical-, food processing-, or cleanroom applications, it is necessary to minimize the potential for bacterial growth and cross-contamination. Products used in daily operations, such as extraction arms, need a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to different substances and acids.
In order to meet sanitary requirements and demands set by authorities, companies often choose products that are made of stainless steel. This is due to its corrosion resistance and durability, but not least, the ease of cleaning, a characteristic of products with a low Ra-value.
The roughness of the surface is essentially what Ra-value refers to. “Ra” stands for the arithmetic average roughness, which is a measure of the deviations from a true plane surface. A lower Ra-value indicates a smoother surface, and a higher value indicates a rougher one.
One may think that the lower the Ra-value, the better, but this is false. In reality, the best conditions for sterilizing and cleaning are achieved when the Ra-value of the surface is between 0.25 and 0.60 µm. It is, in short, the sweet spot.
Fumex PSS is one of our extraction arms in stainless steel, and it has a Ra-value of ≤ 0.6. With such a smooth surface, it becomes easy to clean the arm, as well as maintain a safe and sterile environment where neither dirt nor toxins can be found. The PSS is also the first extraction arm on the market with a hermetically sealed profile, making it even easier to keep clean.
The extraction arm is also equipped with our quick connection system FUMEX Q-MaiD™, which makes it easy to disconnect the hose, to be able to sterilize and clean the supporting parts and hood of the extraction arm, as well as the hose.
If you want to invest in an extraction meeting high sanitary standards, please download the product brochure for Fumex PSS or contact us for more information.
Now in his ninth year at Fumex, Kenny Stenberg is taking on a completely new role. Since November 2023, he is our ISO coordinator and is responsible for developing and ensuring our work on quality, sustainability and health and safety.
Kenny started his career at Fumex in 2015 in an export sales role. He had just finished his studies in Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology and wanted to work on products in his field of expertise.
– I was drawn to the opportunity to work on innovative products that related to my education and skills. It’s also been great to work with international customers over the last few years, and it’s given me a good understanding of what it takes to be a leading supplier,” says Kenny.
In his new role as ISO coordinator, Kenny takes a step back from daily customer contact to focus more on Fumex’s internal processes regarding quality, sustainability and work environment.
– Before I was asked to take on the role, we had an external consultant for these issues, but the more we have grown, the greater the need for our own ISO coordinator has become. I’m very happy that I got this opportunity,” says Kenny.
Kenny explains that his work requires a lot of precision, patience and analytical skills. For example, Fumex is certified to ISO 90001 (quality management system) and ISO 14001 (environmental management system), and it is his job to ensure that everything is done correctly and that there are procedures for follow-up, documentation and improvement work.
– I really enjoy the tasks that come with the job, as they provide variety and a challenge in everyday life. The ISO certifications affect all of Fumex and should be reflected in all aspects of our organization. It is not done in a single day and requires constant analysis and improvement.
As well as getting to try out different roles and responsibilities, Kenny highlights Fumex’s culture and family feel as key reasons why he has stayed with the company.
– We are very open to new ideas and we care about each other. Here, everyone can talk to everyone, and it’s always okay to ask for help, no matter what. And with the new office being built, I think the team spirit will only get stronger,” Kenny concludes.
Being a sustainable company is a continuous work in progress, as there are many aspects to it and areas where improvements can always be made. Here, at Fumex in Skellefteå, we have always taken pride in our contribution to pushing industry forward. Whether it means technical development, working towards a more sustainable business or being a social enabler in the region.
Our financial manager, Evelina Degerman, recently finished an internal project to increase our knowledge and consciousness of how to systematically work with sustainability in a broader sense. The project, which was carried out in collaboration with IUC (Industrial Development Center), analyzed and reviewed Fumex’s business model and strategy from a sustainability perspective. It focused on environmental sustainability, human rights, customers, business ethics, work environment, and local community development.
– Many people only refer to the environmental aspects when talking about sustainability, even though there is so much more to it. For instance, sustainability can also be about creating a healthy life situation where employees can balance work and their spare time, says Evelina.
Evelina empathizes that actively focus on creating a sustainable work environment is important when creating a successful business. And with Fumex’s new office space being built in Skellefteå, there will be room for more team activities and personal time.
– We always look to improve our employer offering, from contractual benefits to how the facilities can be formed. For instance, the new office will have a gym and a relax, and social areas where the production team and our office people can meet.
Evelina’s project group included representatives from different parts of Fumex, such as production, management, research and development, and sales, to get as many perspectives as possible. Everybody agreed that Fumex plays an important role in Skellefteå and the surrounding regions. For example, the company prioritizes local suppliers and subcontractors.
– Of course, we want to be a part of developing our local community by growing our own business and creating more job opportunities in the area. We are also, when given the opportunity, collaborating with nearby universities and colleges for specific research and student projects.
The next step will be applying key findings and new knowledge to the everyday workflow. From our thought processes, to complementing strategical goals, and updating documents and frameworks to fit a even more sustainable approach. All to help create a broader base for what it is to be a part of, or to do business with, Fumex.
– We are happy to see that sustainability is a global priority for customers, subcontractors, and authorities. We strive to be at the forefront of every aspect regarding our area of business. In order to do so, we must evolve and continuously become better, and this is one of many steps towards that, Evelina finishes.
After a well-need break during Christmas and New Year, we are back at our facilities to start 2024 in the best way possible. Actually, we have already received our first award of the year at the German Design Awards. In this article, we catch up with Fumex’s CEO Anders Hedlund, as he looks back at 2023 and what the new year might have in store for us.
What kind of year was 2023?
Economically, the year was affected by growing inflation and a weak Swedish crown, not to mention the war in Ukraine. Still, sales have been good in Sweden and most export markets. We have also managed to parry the challenges we encountered during the year, and I am very proud of everybody’s contribution, says Anders Hedlund.
Where have you seen the most significant development?
Our US-based subsidiary Movex has had an exceptional year with a great increase in volume and growth compared to prior years. Now, in 2024, we would like to strengthen our position in the North American region by adding more colleagues to the team. This is something we have done in both Germany and Sweden during the past year.
In 2023, you launched the new FUMEX PSS extraction arm. How has the market received it?
We have marketed the PSS digitally and live at the trade fairs we visited during the year. Being cleanroom certified, there’s a natural market demand from industries with high sanitary requirements, which we got to experience during the POWTECH expo in Nuremberg, Germany. Many customers were interested in the PSS, and we look forward to continue showcasing it in 2024.
But it also received an award, right?
Yes, it did. In 2023, FUMEX PSS was nominated for the German Design Awards, and we finally received our award in the end of January. It’s a great feeling, and we hope to keep building on our innovative and market-leading reputation.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Most certainly, it is the upcoming move to our new headquarters in Skellefteå. The construction is going according to plan, and right now, the office space is getting its walls set up. With the new facility, we have the opportunity to continue growing with more employees in production, technology, and sales. It will be a very exciting year, says Anders Hedlund.
Meet Michael Clayton-Reed, export sales manager at Fumex’s headquarters in Skellefteå. He started his journey at Fumex about six years ago when he decided to join our production team.
– I first moved to Skellefteå in 2012, as my girlfriend wanted to be closer to her family. I had never worked in an industrial environment before and was eager to try something new. Then, it did not take long for me to find out how much I enjoyed it, says Michael.
Michael, or Mike as his colleagues frequently call him, originally hails from New Zealand but has lived in Norway and Sweden for the past 14 years. Now, he is taking the next step in his career as he moves from production to join our export sales team, where he will work with customers in England, France, Italy, and Spain.
– I have probably built every filter there is and already have great knowledge about every product that we offer. So, working with export sales is the natural step for me as I want to challenge myself in a new role, Michael continues.
Michael has stayed at Fumex for the past six years because he felt there was a good chance for further personal and professional development, as no day is the same as the other, and you learn something new every day.
– The people here at Fumex are really good to work with, and we have a lot of fun together. It’s a great environment to be a part of, and I look forward to seeing the results of everything going on, such as the construction of our new headquarters, says Michael.
It is easy to say that Michael has found his place at Fumex and here in Skellefteå, where he balances work with family life and outdoor activities.
– I like the changing seasons in the north, as I can go skiing in the winter and golf in the summer. But of course, being at home with my family is what I enjoy the most, Michael concludes.
Yesterday, the Alvargala announced the nominations for its annual business gala and we are proud to take a place as one of three companies in the “company of the year” category. The Alvargala is a tribute to companies, individuals and ideas within Skellefteå’s business life. Prizes are awarded in twelve different categories to companies, entrepreneurs and decision makers in Skellefteå who have succeeded in doing something extra during the year. It is a great honor to be recognized for our work and commitment to delivering high quality products and services to our customers. Thank you to everyone who supports us! We look forward to continuing our growth and keep developing together with you.
“It is honorable that it is the municipal board that nominates for this category. The criterias for this category are especially linked to local anchoring and we are happy that Fumex meet these. It has been important for Fumex to be locally owned and generate jobs in the area. Despite fierce competition on the job market in Skellefteå, our staff shows a loyalty that we really value. It enables our success and shows that it is possible to have the whole world as a playing field from northern Sweden.” – Lars Hedlund, Head of research & development
Fumex was established almost 40 years ago and is now more of a world-leading manufacturer in environmental technology. Fumex has a long company history with strong local roots, they have grown strongly and doubled their turnover in 10 years regarding their production of extraction arms, filters and fans.
For more information about Alvargalan, visit alvar.nu.
We are pleased to announce that Fumex is among the winners of the German Design Awards 2024 for excellent product design in the industry category. The award goes to our extraction arm, FUMEX PSS, and the official award ceremony will take place in Frankfurt in January 2024.
The jury’s motivation reads:
– It is an honor to receive this award. A well-deserved acknowledgment of our in-house industrial design team and engineering. At Fumex we have a strong focus on product development for better function and energy efficiency combined with aesthetics. We constantly work to improve our products and move the entire industry forward by setting new standards for safety, quality, and function. So, this award proves we are on the right path going forward, says Karima Kuschel, manager at Fumex Germany.
The award-winning FUMEX PSS is cleanroom-certified and made in high-gloss polished (Ra ≤0,6) acid-resistant steel to meet the highest sanitary and hygiene requirements. It also has our connection system FUMEX Q-MaiD™ to speed up and simplify maintenance, assembling, installation, and dismantling.
– Many industries face serious challenges regarding strict hygienic regulations. For instance, they must ensure worker safety and prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth while keeping up the production rate. With FUMEX PSS, operators get an extraction arm that is easy to use and also meets the authorities’ requirements, says Karima.
To learn more about the FUMEX PSS, please visit the product site and download the brochure.
About the German Design Awards
The German Design Awards by the German Design Council sets an international standard for innovative developments in design and competitiveness on the global market. It exclusively distinguishes ground-breaking projects within the German and international design landscape.
Read more about GDA and Fumex’s award
Movember, or november in common parlance, has now passed us by in 2023, which means that many deeply committed men across the world have grown their moustaches. The goal is not to start a new fashion trend but aims to make a powerful statement. In today’s fast-paced media noise, men face a health crisis that is not talked about much.
The razors have been put to rest for a month to raise awareness of men’s health and male diseases such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and depression. The money they would spend on shaving will go to organizations that work with men’s health. We at Fumex are happy and proud that 14 people in our team last month made a committed effort to shed light on these important health issues.
“We all know someone who is affected or will be affected by cancer. The Movember competition is an act of care and prevention that can make a difference in people’s lives. We value educating about cancer prevention, creating better conditions for research, saving lives and helping those who fighting in the fight as well as friends and family who are affected by illness”
– Lars Hedlund, initiator of Movember at Fumex
Together we put the illnesses and research in the spotlight, it can save lives.
Movember – https://uk.movember.com/
movember2023
