Product Development of a Cooling Solution for Extreme Conditions | EC Electro Center Oy
From the freezing cold of the North Pole to the blistering heat of the Sahara – and the humid, salty air of coastal ports – EC Electro Center’s solutions are designed for the most extreme environments. In such conditions, reliability is non-negotiable. Cooling systems must rise to the challenge, and off-the-shelf solutions often fall short. That’s why EC Electro Center turned to Lumikko for a customized approach.
The need for cooling in EC Electro Center’s assemblies has increased alongside the growth of digitalization. The company, which has been manufacturing electrical and automation centers for 30 years, continues to evolve with the market.
“As electrical components shrink and semiconductor technology becomes more widespread, they generate more excess heat than before. This increased thermal load puts stress on the components, diminishing their performance and shortening their lifespan. That’s why effective cooling has become more critical than ever in switchgear,” explains co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Jari Ala-Pässäri.
“Cooling has always played a key role in our operations, and its importance is only growing. The rising electrical power of modern machines and devices has made the challenge even greater.”
A Custom Cooling System with Guaranteed Quality
While there are many solid standard solutions available, the most demanding environments often call for optimized, tailor-made systems—where quality and durability take top priority.
“We manufacture investment products that may be deployed in arctic regions or, alternatively, in the Sahara. In such cases, cooling must work flawlessly in all conditions.”
Ala-Pässäri had a hunch that Lumikko could be the right partner for this challenge.
“I knew Lumikko develops customized solutions, carefully engineered for their specific end-use environments.”
The ongoing product development project is currently in the testing phase, and its final areas of application will become clearer as the projects progress.
Collaboration That Works Both Ways
Lumikko and EC Electro Center share many touchpoints: joint customer projects as well as a mutual client relationship. Lumikko provides cooling product development for EC Electro Center and purchases components from Electro Center for its own systems. This is partnership at its best.
“It’s important that both parties bring something to the table and that the dialogue is open and constructive.”
“Lumikko has unique expertise and the willingness and ability to collaborate. We share similar values, so the cooperation has been smooth and efficient.”
Lumikko’s Director of Product Development and Technology, Ville Saikkonen, agrees.
“Our cooperation focuses on innovation and developing new versions. We communicate weekly with EC, and it works both ways. We’re on the same level, and communication is easy. As a Finn I always expect people to keep their word – and that’s been the case in our collaboration with EC. Our partnership is more strategic than just about product development.”
In Brief: EC Electro Center
EC Electro Center’s main customers are equipment and machine manufacturers who need reliable electrical and automation center solutions for demanding operating environments. Jari Ala-Pässäri founded the company in Tampere with former colleagues during the recession in 1994, and the company’s story continues strong and upward – even 30 years later.
