Rebuild and refurbish for a new and stronger life
Performance like a new machine: Komptech helped ZGOK Olsztyn in Poland to refurbish a machine and increase its output. The story about the rebuild process.
Marcin Rudnicki, the visionary Head of development & investment department of a municipal waste disposal plant in Olsztyn, Poland, embarked on a mission to revolutionize waste management in his region. His company ZGOK Olsztyn was founded in 2015 with a focus on handling waste and quickly became a beacon of sustainability under his leadership. The production of RDF is one of their core businesses. “Currently, a significant part of the produced RDF is used in a nearby heat and power plant approximately 1 km from our company. But part of the production still goes to cement plants, which are many kilometers away. We want RDF to be a local product that meets local needs”, said Rudnicki. “The heat and power plant needs ca. 110,000 tons of RDF. Our plant is able to produce ca. 50% of this mass.”
Challenged with the task of efficiently managing waste from the Olsztyn City and 36 municipalities for over 0.5 million inhabitants, the Company was looking for innovative solutions that minimize the impact on the environment while meeting the needs of the community. Such solutions were proposed by Komptech, a company renowned for its heavy-duty machines and commitment to sustainability. “In 2015 we installed two Terminator 1700 and one Ballistor”, said Rudnicki.
“We want RDF to be a local product that meets local needs.”
Marcin Rudnicki
New life for 8-year-old machine
The cooperation with Komptech turned out to be long-term and very productive. Rudnicki’s team, led by his unwavering dedication, embarked on a journey to refurbish their existing equipment, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. The centerpiece of this effort was the refurbishment of a Terminator 1700 into a 3400 direct. “I mentioned, the Company bought a new Terminator eight years ago, and after 13,000 hours operation of this machine, Komptech was able to carry out a complete renovation and breathed new life into this machine”, said Rudnicki. Tomasz Rzepka from our partner Bax Baumaschinen Poland played a key role for the refurbishment of the Terminator.
With the support of Komptech’s expertise and EU subsidies, the machine was successfully refurbished, achieving results in tests comparable to a brand-new one at a fraction of the cost. This will not only save money but will also unlock new possibilities for handling different types of waste, from bulky items to construction debris. “During our test, we have now two possibilities: 25-30 tons of bulky waste per hour or shredding glass up to 100 tons per hour.”
Steps of the refurbishment
The process involved upgrading various components such as the motor, gear, and control system, along with refurbishing the existing drum and implementing new parts like cable roads, a hopper, and wear components. After disassembly and refurbishment of key parts, the machine was reassembled and started its test phase.
The refurbished machine not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing the power of collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking. The power before the rebuild was 75 kW and increased to 160 kW in tests after the rebuild. Rudnicki and his team will be able to redefine what was possible in waste management, setting a new standard for their region and beyond.
Today, ZGOK Ltd., where Marcin Rudnicki works, stands as a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability in business. Every refurbished machine and every closed-loop system takes one step closer to realizing their shared vision of a cleaner, greener world for future generations. “Warmia and Mazury are the greenest places in Poland – they are the “green lungs” of Poland. Therefore it is so important for us to protect the environment of our Region,” said Rudnicki. Thanks to the partnership with Komptech, Marcin Rudnicki’s journey to sustainable success continues, paving the way to a better future where waste becomes a valuable resource, and caring for the environment is a top priority.
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