Our colleagues in Gas Equipment Company Ltd (GEC – a MAKEEN Energy company) have developed a data integration solution for LPG businesses.The name is EZ-Link, and it is changing the lives of our customers for the better. In 2022, a record number of customers made the switch to this system, with transformative impacts on both their profits, time management, and quality
of life.
In the past few years, the natural gas market has been unpredictable, with supply and prices going up and down. Changes in demand, infrastructure challenges, and market shifts have made it harder for businesses to plan ahead. Many have struggled with rising costs and securing reliable supplies. As a result, many companies are looking at other energy sources and finding new ways to manage their energy use.
This is where SNG comes into the equation. SNG is a mix of LPG and air, designed to mimic natural gas combustion. This means existing equipment—burners, pipes, and valves—can be used without major modifications. A simple setup consisting of an LPG tank, vaporizers, and a mixing system is all it takes to safeguard your operations and secure a reliable energy source.
And for businesses like Lantmännen Unibake in Holstebro, Denmark, consistent energy is vital. If the ovens stop, so does the production, leaving a gap with customers who depend on their baked goods.
Faced with this growing uncertainty in the natural gas market, the company took a proactive step by investing in a SNG facility:
I think, when it comes to pinpointing what we are especially good at, it is spotting solutions that no-one else sees. We stand up for our customers and spend time to make sure they get what they need, and if that means we have to send someone to visit them, then we will. We won’t turn them down even if the task is tricky – no-one gets left behind. I think our customers appreciate that we are so committed, and they have a lot of trust in us because they know we will keep at it until they are happy.
Martin Sahl Nedergaard PTA Manager, Lantmännen Unibake Denmark
And this is where MAKEEN Gas Equipment Denmark came into the picture with valuable knowhow and insight from integration of SNG systems in Denmark and Sweden. In cooperation with our partners, we supported Lantmännen in this new investment by supplying the components for the SNG system in Holstebro – and later for another bakery in Avedøre. With our One-Stop Shop concept, we provided all the required equipment from initial installation to the final commissioning.
A flexible back-up solution
Their decision to implement an SNG solution was driven by two key factors: supply security and cost stability. At the time of investment, the price of natural gas fluctuated significantly, making it difficult to predict operational expenses. “Our current system uses natural gas. However, during shortages, we risk being disconnected from the gas grid to prioritise critical infrastructure. With SNG as our backup energy source, we can maintain reliable operations by seamlessly switching our energy source”, Martin says.
Lantmännen Unibake operates bakeries worldwide, all of which have backup energy solutions in place. Some use LPG, while others, like the facility in Holstebro, rely on SNG. The investment came in response to the growing uncertainty surrounding energy supply and the company’s need for a reliable alternative.
Building with no blueprint
Installing the SNG facility in Holstebro was a complex process involving multiple stakeholders, including local and national authorities. With no blueprint for a system like this, both engineering and installation had to be adjusted as they went. “This has been a valuable learning experience for both the organisation and me,” says Martin.
While the SNG system has not yet been needed, it is tested 1-2 times a year to ensure full operational readiness. While Lantmännen Unibake hopes never to need the backup system, they can rest assured that, if the need arises, their production will continue uninterrupted.
Lantmännen Unibake Danmark
Lantmännen Unibake Danmark is the Danish branch of the international bakery group Lantmännen Unibake. From its bakeries in Denmark, it produces a wide range of bread and pastries for both retail and foodservice customers, combining local baking traditions with modern production methods.
SNG systems explained
Watch this video in which Simon shows what an SNG system consists of and why it can be a great backup for your energy supply.
