Sweco in collaboration over the country borders

A ‘win-win’ situation. That is how the railroading collaboration that has evolved between Energuide in Sweden and Sweco in Norway is described. A big gathering is being planned in Oslo for everyone involved to get to know each other better and build the foundation for even more future collaborations.

It started a few years ago when Energuide needed a partner for a railroading project in Norway. Pether Hederby is the regional manager for infra technology at Energuide. He realized that the desired competence should exist within the company.

Pether found what he was looking for in Snorre Laegran and his co-workers in Areal og transport at Sweco Norway. Snorre responded quickly and they both realized that their units could achieve more together than separately. At the same time, Sweco Norway had a railroading project where railroading electronics was required. The choice stood between a Norwegian electro company and Energuide. They choose Energuide.

– Both our units work in railroading, says Pether Hederby. We do mostly electricity and signal systems, while our Norwegian colleagues focus more on railroad tracks.

The project was a success, leaving everyone wanting more. Since then, Energuide and Sweco Norway have collaborated in Trondheim and Oslo for example.
At the moment, work is being done for a railway-yard in Halden, where Swedes and Norwegians are jointly responsible for questionnaires and construction documents. Both Pether and Snorre describe the collaboration as a ‘win-win’ situation.

– For us, it’s about entering the Norwegian market more easily. A market that is highly interesting since so much is invested in the railroad network. Another advantage is that the projects pay better in Norway, says Pether Hederby.

– Since Energuide offer competences we’ve lacked before, this collaboration means that we can accept more and bigger projects, says Snorre Laegran.
Snorre also tells us that Norway’s ‘Jernbaneverket’ have reacted very positively about the addition of Swedish competence to the projects.

– Yes, the response has been very positive. We’ve had comments about how Energuide’s involvement has added new thoughts, ideas and creativity, which has led to new and often better solutions than before.

The normal procedure is for the Swedes to go to the Norwegian head office once or twice a month to lay down the general guidelines together with their colleagues. The work continues from their respective ‘home ground’. The project status is continuously monitored via e-mail and phone. Even if this is a smooth form of cooperation, both Pether and Snorre emphasize the importance of meeting ‘face to face’. Therefore they are planning a railroading get-together for all 60-something co-workers that work full time with railroads at Sweco. The get-together is scheduled to happen in Oslo, sometime in April-May.

– We’re planning for a two-day gathering, says Snorre Laegran. We’ll begin with some light activities under easy forms, probably followed by a visit to some railroad plant. We might also engage an external lecturer. However, the main purpose is to meet and get to know each other. It’ll always be easier to make contact in the future once you’ve met and put a face on those you’ll be working with. And they plan to work together on many projects ahead. That is why both Pether and Snorre are looking forward to the coming get-together.

– You have to dare to get new assignments. And it’s easier to dare when you know each other, concludes Pether Hederby.