2020-01-17

Learning by train-ing

“Fight climate breakdown now! Exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit, even if only temporarily, will lead us into a highly uncertain world. Such an overshoot will push a number of natural and human systems beyond their limits of adaptation and into possible futures about which we have limited scientific knowledge and no institutional or governance experience”.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change does not pull any punches when describing what the world is up against. This is also reflected in CEO Peter Overup’s introduction to the 2019 sustainability report for SweMaint AB, in which Peter continues:

“Sustainable development is a do-or-die issue for mankind whose strategic importance cannot be emphasized enough, regardless of company or line of business. Most people are convinced that investments in the environment, climate and social responsibility are not only absolutely necessary but also very good for business. Given its fossil overcoat, the transport industry is of course no exception,” Peter emphasizes, who goes on to clarify:

“However, considering sustainability from a broader perspective, going from idea to action, having muscle and endurance and being able to make major investments in ”logistics transformation” requires political incentives. The pace of decision-making must also be increased when long road shipments must inevitably be shifted from road to rail. However, at SweMaint, we are convinced of a future where rail transport is always the hands-down best choice.”

“The way to achieve this, when sustainability and environmental awareness must be an increasingly strong focus throughout society, is through consensus between market participants, authorities and civil society. If everyone can unite in a common endeavour for the development and maintenance of non-fossil railways, this will create new opportunities but also a necessary change in attitude in terms of sustainable development throughout the freight transport segment,” Peter continues.

The full SweMaint AB Sustainability Report 2019 can be found in digital browsing form at https://www.swemaint.com/en/sustainability A printed version can be ordered via https://www.swemaint.com/en/news/media

If you have any questions about the big picture of SweMaint’s role, intentions and impact, please contact SweMaint Sustainability Manager Carl-Johan Widell by calling +46 736 00 50 66 (mobile) or sending an email to carljohan.widell@swemaint.com‍

SweMaint AB is Northern Europe’s leading supplier of maintenance and repair services for wagon owners and other rail freight operators. Strategically located at Sweden’s major nodes, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north, we offer a complete and nearly nationwide service offering that includes preventive wagon maintenance, wheel maintenance, corrective repairs and a comprehensive supply of materials.

Our very own wheel supply programme has you got you covered at 30 unique locations – in addition, we have 40 mobile workshops on standby for urgent corrective maintenance out on the rails and effective 24/7 rerailing and clearance. Altogether, this ensures fast lead times according to our motto, “Less downtime = more profit for our customers”.

Our extensive experience – we have been in business since 1905 – combined with our systematic development of our offering with a focus on adding value for customers gives us a unique position and platform to promote rail freight as the strongest and most competitive choice.

Based in Gothenburg, the company boasts sales of around SEK 400 million and has around 250 employees in 12 workshops at Sweden’s major rail nodes. SweMaint AB has been owned by Malmö-based Kockums Industrier since 2007.