How is Megger connected with reindeer herding ?

Electrical Tester - 20 January 2023

Author: Rickard Jonsson, Senior Advisor – Substation Business Development

Read on to find out how Megger provided support for a business that has been operating continuously for thousands of years...

Sustainability and growth have aspects that may seem contradictory – and sometimes they are. But the truth is that many possibilities open up when there is engagement and willingness to find solutions for a sustainable future. And that’s exactly what happened recently when Megger Sweden AB needed to expand.

Megger Sweden AB has seen tremendous growth since 2007 when it became part of the Megger Group. Sales of its substation test and diagnostic equipment have almost tripled in recent years. Even though the company moved to new, larger facilities in 2012, these have proved to be too small to cope with recent growth and further expansion became essential.

Fortuitously, an opportunity arose to lease more space in the existing building, but it was necessary to remove fixtures and fittings belonging to the restaurant that had previously occupied the space before it could be reconfigured as offices. Some of the items were sold, but there remained professional walk-in cooling and freezer rooms. These were fully functional and in good condition, but they were definitely not items that would be easy for buyers to carry away! However, some Megger employees had an inspired idea and so they used their free time to carefully dismantle the rooms, including the temperature control equipment and the compressors.

They then made contact with a group of people in a Sami village in Ammarnäs, in the northern part of Sweden. After discussions, it was agreed that the cooling and freezing rooms would be donated to a young family who were going into the business of processing meat from traditional Sami reindeer herding. Truly green meat production! Re-using the surplus equipment will help to bolster the economy of this small and authentic mountain village, keeping old traditions alive.

The Sami are recognised by the UN as the only indigenous people remaining in Europe. They populate northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia, and their culture is very much centred on reindeer herding. Their tradition has always been to maintain balance and harmony in their relationship with nature, and to ensure that little or nothing taken from nature goes to waste. In comparison, today’s ‘modern’ societies have a lot to learn!

Ammarnas is in the Vindelfjallens Nature Reserve, which is one of the biggest nature reserves in Europe, covering 5,650 square km.