Swedish Modules
Prefabricated Modular Data Centre

As companies continue to put more and more IT resources into the cloud; it’s putting greater emphasis on the need for edge data centres, which serve at least two main purposes: providing localised processing for applications that remain on-premises, and connectivity to cloud-based applications and resources. The question is how to build an edge data centre that provides the kind of reliability companies need, but without the same amount of time, effort, and expense that goes into building a traditional data centre. In many cases, the answer will be by using prefabricated, modular data centre components. Based in Vara, Sweden, Swedish Modules delivers prefabricated, high-specification modular solutions to demanding markets such as pharmaceutical factories, operating theatres for hospitals and data centres located all over the world. Swedish Modules as it is today was founded in 2009 by a group of committed key personnel from Pharmadule. They were able to transfer their extensive knowledge and experience of producing highly complex prefabricated modular structures to demanding markets within the pharmaceutical industry. “We develop and manufacture solutions adapted for critical societal infrastructure and constantly strive to create greater function and value for our customers and their business,” says Mans Belfrage, CEO of Swedish Modules.

"We develop and manufacture solutions adapted for critical societal infrastructure and constantly strive to create greater function and value for our customers and their business"

Swedish Modules offers custom solutions based on the unique circumstances of the case or using a standardised OCP concept, along with high-density modules that meet the high demands of its customers for ROI and short delivery times. Investments are thereby directly linked to current needs and future growth. One factor that ensures high quality is that all production is undertaken indoors, with the product protected throughout the production phase. The modules are safely and securely completed in a controlled environment in Swedish Modules’ custom production facilities in Emtunga. All equipment is installed prior to delivery, which saves considerable time and costs on site and enables guaranteed delivery to end customers and commissioning. A major advantage of prefabricated is that while the modules are in production, the on-site groundwork and infrastructure can be completed, thereby significantly reducing the time to complete the building compared with on-site construction of a similar structure. The modules are usually dimensioned 13,350 (l) x 4,450 (w) x 4,100 (h). This form factor has proven to be the safest, most secure, and cost-effective size for a module.

 

Swedish Modules assists its customers at an early stage with best practices from design to delivery. With a high degree of both technological content and an extensive level of prefabrication, the firm provides quality assurance and reliable delivery, thereby minimising the risk of delays and increased costs.

“We are capable of meeting stringent market requirements due to the expertise we have acquired over several years of delivering highly complex solutions,” adds Belfrage. Swedish Modules has manufactured over 2,000 hygienic modules which are popular in the pharmaceutical industry due to the high degree of cleanliness, reliability, and short delivery time. In 2015, Swedish Modules evolved a new concept of prefabricated operating theatres based on new research and developed in collaboration with orthopaedic surgeons. The firm also offers sterile rooms, laboratories, and other types of clinical environments. After production is completed at the Swedish Modules factory in Emtunga, it takes about three to five days to assemble the modules on site, followed by installation, which takes about four to five weeks depending on the project scope. The firm’s proprietary modular operating theatres ensure capacity, quality, and patient safety during new construction, renovation or refurbishment of hospitals. The units are designed in accordance with the updated standard SIS-TS 39: 2015. If additional features are needed, they are carefully developed based on the specific needs of each project. Swedish Modules allows its customers to rent, buy or lease the modular surgery unit. With this flexible solution, the modules can also be moved to other hospitals, thereby contributing to increased sustainability from both financial and environmental perspectives. Valuable processing equipment is assembled on site, and important tests are carried out prior to delivery. There is also an opportunity for staff to be trained before the factory is put into operation. The customer’s employees are welcome to visit Emtunga, where they can be trained in the environment in which they will be working. Every detail is then tested while the staff receives their training.

Swedish Modules ensures high quality by building factories indoors, with the product protected throughout the production period. The firm’s objective is to undertake at least 95 per cent of the work in its own factory. Completed modules are subsequently delivered, assembled, and commissioned effectively by its team. There are minimal disturbances on site, limited transport, and operations start-up without delay. The steel modules form sustainable structures and provide the flexibility that enables facilities to be extended, dismantled or reused. All the modules are manufactured in a safe work environment at its factory in Emtunga.

“Our employees in the factory work at a height of around 0.5 metres. We are proud that we have significantly reduced the risks and created a safe workplace,” adds Belfrage. The organisation’s objective is to maintain a workplace that is both progressive and physically, psychologically and socially sound for every employee, in which the risks of occupational injury and work-related ill-health are prevented. Swedish Modules is strongly committed to environmental issues and works day-to-day towards minimising its environmental impact and developing new, sustainable working methods. By carrying out modular construction on site in its factory, the firm keeps close track of material consumption and minimises waste.

Swedish Modules has showcased its expertise and gained appreciation from various clients. For instance, Sodersjukhuset Hospital in Stockholm was undergoing extensive renovations, with NCC modernising the hospital in collaboration with the property owner, Locum. Swedish Modules’ prefabricated modular operating theatres enable Sodersjukhuset to maintain its surgical capacity and continue its activities throughout the renovation period. The eight modules had a construction period of 10 weeks. The modules were transported by road to Sodersjukhuset Hospital, where they were assembled on site in less than two days. In just a few weeks, the operating theatres were ready for commissioning. These operating theatres were the same ones that Swedish Modules leased to Karlskoga Hospital for two years, and they were now being sold to Locum. Through close collaboration and efficient, quality-assured processes, Swedish Modules delivered a flexible solution that saved costs for the administration and was of great value to patients. The flexible solution also offered the opportunity to move the modules to other hospitals within the county council that had needs similar to those of Sodersjukhuset Hospital.

From day to day, Swedish Modules’ priority is to develop a greater understanding of what it’s like to be its customer. The firm’s sales activities are customer-oriented and always focused on its customers’ needs and operations. In order to deliver cost and production efficient processes according to high standards, the firm also develops its product on a standardised platform which enables them to offer the market their experience and expertise, packaged with quality and refined throughout the development process. Swedish Modules’ vision is to be a world-leading centre of excellence for critical societal infrastructure as it will enable it to create value that drives its customers’ businesses and thereby lead to a better society. The firm harnesses its experience and expertise as a foundation in the development and manufacture of sustainable solutions adapted for critical societal infrastructure on a global market. “We believe in collaboration underpinned by transparency and openness in business processes at every level, all the way from start to finish,” concludes Belfrage.