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Even as a young boy, Tor Arne Hammer headed for the site with construction machinery. Decades later, he is still in the same place - looking for gold where others see grey stone.
The sun is rising over Grinder in Grue municipality where Tor Arne Hammer is starting a new working day. The 54-year-old is sales manager for Entrack's recycling department - a department that helps to give new life to construction machinery.
- Overall, we have a huge number of used parts for many different types of construction machinery. Generally speaking, there are long delivery times for a lot of things these days, and many parts aren't even in production anymore. That's when we can step in and help the customer keep the machine running," says the sales manager.
Avoid standstills
It is a seasoned professional who speaks out. Hammer has worked at Entrack ever since his summer job at the age of 16.
- "I became interested in engines at an early age, and all machines were exciting. Since I also grew up near here, Entrack became very interesting. Which it still is," he smiles.
Hammer, who is originally a construction machinery repairer, currently makes up the recycling department together with six colleagues. This is where the ring fox itself buys used machines that later extend the life of other donations.
- "The whole purpose is to prevent a machine from simply standing idle. Then it rusts up and oil runs out. No-one gets any use out of it, and it's also not very environmentally friendly," Hammer starts, before adding:
- If you have a second-hand machine with some defects, you might want to check with us. We have a huge volume of used parts. And if we don't have exactly what's needed, we also have a number of partners we can consult with. In addition, we customise various equipment that some people want," says Hammer.
If you have a second-hand machine with some defects, check with us instead.
Enormous quantities
If, on the other hand, the owner does not see the benefit of refurbishing their own donation, another opportunity arises.
- If you're thinking that the machine will no longer be used, we may be interested in buying it for dismantling. Then others can benefit from the parts. All in all, the most important thing is to get the most out of a machine," says Hammer.
Over the years, Entrack has dismantled just under 3,000 construction machines, and at any given time, they have around 500 that they can pick parts from. On the 80-acre site, Hammer and co. have around 2,800 pallets of used parts and equipment in a heated room. In addition, there are about the same number of pallets in cold storage.
- We can supply a spare part at a completely different price to what it costs to buy a new one. And then you have to make an assessment. For example, if it's too expensive to keep a machine running because a new part costs NOK 150,000, it might be completely different with a similar used part costing NOK 25,000 from us. What's more, we deliver quickly, usually in two to three days," he says.
Continuous hunting
In today's throw-away society, Hammer thinks it's appropriate to point out one thing. "Reuse is important - you don't necessarily have to buy a new machine even if it's a few years old.
- "If it's still almost as good, why should you park it? And if you're going to do that, remember that there can be a lot of good parts on a donation that has run for more than 10,000 hours and then some," says the recycling manager.
What about Hammer himself, does he have any favourites where he knows there is a high demand for the parts?
- Yes, there are quite a few really. For example, Cat, Kobelco, Volvo, Hitachi and Komatsu are always interesting - to name a few. I'm constantly on the hunt for 10-15 different machines that are super topical for dismantling at any given time," he reveals.
Staying put
Hammer straightens his cap and starts walking towards the office. It's nearing lunchtime for the man who will soon have spent the last 40 years at Entrack.
- Why have I been here for so long? "No, I suppose it's my passion for machines and my flair for trading. It's also clear that I really enjoy my work, both the tasks and my colleagues. The plan is to work at Entrack until I retire," says Hammer, before adding with a smile:
- When winter comes, and it's 25 degrees below zero or 30 cm of fresh snow in the morning, it's not a bad idea to have a short route to work. That's what I have now, and it's very comfortable!
This story is taken from AT.no