Flexible local cooling for expanding Swedish company
When the summer sun burns on the 4,700 m² workshop roof at the company Kvarnstrands in Småland’s Ekenässjön, 8 REXNORDIC Coolers now keep the temperature in the premises at a pleasantly cool level. Inside the workshop of the family company Kvarnstrands, 50 of the total of 95 employees work at several different machines to manufacture and sharpen top-class cutting tools for the wood industry in Europe. The machines used are CNC machines, washing machines, oil purifiers, and robots. In recent years, the business has grown, and with more heat-generating machines in the premises and with restrictions on ventilation on the facade, the indoor climate during the summer months has become a challenge for the company and its employees. Maintenance manager Alexander Sellman did careful research on which cooling solutions could work for the company’s needs – today and also in the future. -Our business is constantly developing, and we need a flexible solution for cooling the premises, says Alexander, who has worked at Kvarnstrands for 17 years. Based on changed EU regulations in the future, the choice of cooling medium was an important issue for us to take into account. Kvarnstrands took help from Rex Nordic’s technical sales advisor in Sweden, Jon Lindahl, to find the best solution for their conditions. The choice fell on 8 REX14000, which are deployed in strategic locations in the premises. -We are noticing that many companies in the manufacturing industry have the same challenges, and it is very rewarding to be able to assist with affordable solutions with the launch of the Eco series, says Jon Lindahl. Kvarnstrands was founded in 1939 in Ekenässjön and the business premises have been expanded several times since then. To be able to shop locally was an important factor in why the choice fell on RexNordic. -We prefer to shop from our neighbors and here we were able to buy the machines through Axima in Vetlanda and get good and fast help and support from a Swedish salesperson, says Alexander. At Kvarnstrands, the evaporative coolers are running throughout the working hours. And the employees have found clever ways to keep the tanks filled and maximize the cooling effect. -We exercise our fire hoses and fill the coolers directly with them, says CNC technician Violand Tiku, who also puts a few ice cubes in the water to get extra efficient cooling when the outside temperature reaches above 30 degrees Celsius. The coolers were delivered just a couple of weeks ago and the employees are already experiencing less heat stress. -Yes, there is a big difference and it is very nice with the cooler air, says Sara Vilhelmsson, CNC operator. Another advantage is that the coolers are energy efficient, the REX14000 model draws only 510W, and can easily be connected to a standard 10A outlet in the room. Violand Tiku has a REX14000 placed about 10 m away and he appreciates the coolness a lot. -It’s really great, he says enthusiastically. Previously, I only had two normal room fans in this corner, but with the coolers’ adjustable fan I can adjust the airflow myself and adapt it based on the outside temperature. Jon Lindahl sees an increasing interest in evaporative coolers in many different businesses, including in milk production and the entertainment and event industry. -These coolers really create many great opportunities for RexNordic to reach new customer groups and I look forward to continuing to develop sales, he says. Contact sales to to hear more
Vantaa Gym Gets Cooler and Fresher with EcoCooler
In Havukoski, Vantaa, the Vantaa Gym Club acquired a Rex Nordic EcoCooler at the beginning of summer 2024. Customers of this family business, which has been operating for over 30 years, immediately noticed from the first days that the air in the gym was pleasantly cooler and fresher than before. Vantaa Gym has a gym area of 600 square meters with a height of over six meters. The company purchased a mid-sized REX25000 model from Rex Nordic’s EcoCooler range, which has an air flow of up to 25,000 cubic meters per hour. The cooling capacity of the movable EcoCoolers is heavily based on the evaporation of cold water through a honeycomb pad. The advantages of the cooler include efficient cooling without water mist, large air flow, low energy consumption, and no installation costs. “There is a clear temperature difference in the hall when the EcoCooler is in use. Customers have praised how pleasantly cooler and fresher the air is”, says Mika Holappa, owner of Vantaa Gym. At Vantaa Gym, the REX25000 was placed on the second floor in the treatment room, from where the cooler blows into the gym through an open interior window. This way, the cooler did not need to be placed among the gym equipment or people, and the cool air spread widely in the hall as it fell down. “We really didn’t have the opportunity to acquire any other solution for our premises. We rent from the city, and in the same “hectare-sized” hall there are other businesses, so we cannot, for example, install fixed cooling solutions. At first, I thought of buying ten smaller fans scattered around the hall, but then I discovered the EcoCooler on the internet and decided to try it.” “When the sun shines strongly through the skylights, the hall has been extremely hot and, at worst, felt like “the oxygen is running out”. There is basic ventilation in the hall, but it is not sufficient in hot weather. It helps to circulate the air and push cool air down while also bringing replacement air into the room, but nevertheless, the EcoCooler has done its job. In cooler weather, I have had it on half power. When it has been warmer, the fan has been on full power.” In addition to the REX25000, Rex Nordic’s EcoCooler range includes the smaller REX14000 and the larger REX48000. They are designed for different sizes of rooms, run on standard power, and do not require fixed installation or electrical work. Water directly from the hose to the tank The REX25000 has practically been constantly connected to the water supply at Vantaa Gym, which means that cold water has been constantly flowing into the EcoCooler tank. The water has been consumed in moderate amounts relative to the benefit, and there have been no humidity problems due to the EcoCooler in the hall. The water evaporates from the EcoCooler; it does not spray or cause water mist. “In hot weather, the water is constantly on. I also tried the cooler by simply filling the tank. In that case, the tank (170 litres) used water in 8-10 hours”, estimates Holappa. The open and bright Vantaa Gym has a versatile gym with modern equipment, where professional guidance is available if desired. At Vantaa Gym, one can also purchase gym programmes as well as personal training, physiotherapy, massage, and nutrition advice. The gym also allows for boxing or focusing on stretching exercises. There is a traditional sauna in the men’s changing room and an infrared sauna on the women’s side. There is also a play area for children. “It is important for us to listen to our customers and purchase equipment according to their wishes and needs. Our gym is accessible via an app around the clock every day. One can also purchase only the services needed, even for a single visit in the middle of the night. We do not bind our customers to anything.” Vantaa Gym is located at Hosantie 2, Vantaa. Vantaa Gym Club https://vantaagym.fi
How a European stable keeps horses cool and comfortable with REX14000
Key highlights Up to 12°C cooling: Ensures comfort for horses during hot days. Safe and chemical-free: Evaporative cooling using water with optional ice cubes. Quiet operation (55 dB): Maintains calm in animal environments. Portable and compact: Easy to move around stables and arenas. Enhanced worker comfort: Cooler conditions for stable staff. Proven versatility: Larger REX Nordic models, like the REX25000, deliver excellent results in outdoor fields, reducing heat and deterring horseflies. Battling summer heat in horse stables During the hot summer days, when temperatures inside horse stables can soar above 30°C (86°F), the environment often becomes uncomfortably hot, causing stress for the animals and disrupting their routine. To ensure optimal conditions for the horses’ well-being, a horse stable in Europe decided to try the REX14000 Air Cooler to solve the issue. Understanding the cooling challenges in stables The stable faced extreme temperatures and humidity that affected the horses’ comfort and performance. Traditional cooling solutions, such as fans or air conditioning, presented challenges: fans often require large units that take up valuable space and are not efficient at cooling since they merely recirculate the existing hot air. Air conditioning systems, while effective, are typically impractical and expensive in a stable environment. How REX14000 solves the heat problem in horse stables The REX14000 was chosen for its portability, lightweight design, quiet operation, and ease of use. It requires both an electricity connection and a water supply, which can be either a direct connection or filled manually. The unit provides up to a 12°C cooling effect depending on the ambient temperature. Using natural evaporative cooling, it ensures safety for both animals and handlers. Good air circulation, such as open windows or proper ventilation, is recommended to maintain balanced humidity levels. The quiet operation, at around 55 dB, ensures horses remain calm and unbothered by the cooler’s presence. Unlike standard fans, which merely move existing hot air around, the REX14000 delivers real cooling by introducing a fresh, cooled airflow. Its compact design occupies minimal space, making it ideal for busy stables and arenas. Cooling in action: Horses’ reactions and staff feedback After implementation, the stable manager reported a noticeable difference in the horses’ behavior. Horses were visibly more relaxed, some even choosing to stand near the cooler’s airflow. The improved comfort led to more effective training sessions and better overall animal welfare during the hottest months. Importantly, the stable staff appreciated the unit’s portability, allowing it to be repositioned between stables, arenas, and grooming areas as needed. The stable workers were also pleased to work in conditions that were much cooler and more comfortable. Why REX14000 is a must-have for horse stables The REX14000 Air Cooler proved to be a reliable and animal-friendly solution for keeping horse stables cool and comfortable during the summer heat. By providing a safe, quiet, and effective cooling method, it contributed to improved animal welfare and performance. In addition to the REX14000, some stables in Europe have tested REX Nordic’s larger air coolers, such as the REX25000, in outdoor stable settings with excellent results. The powerful airflow from these larger units not only provided significant cooling but also helped deter horseflies, which are a common nuisance for horses in fields. Some horses even spent time next to the air coolers, enjoying both the cooling effect and the reduced presence of biting flies. This reinforces the value of REX Nordic’s air cooling solutions for both indoor and outdoor equine environments. This case highlights REX14000’s versatility not only for horse stables but also for any animal facilities or workspaces needing efficient, chemical-free cooling.