New logistics center of Speedy
Frisomat signs partnership with Swiss SolarXplorers SA Innovation and sustainability link up steel constructor with stratonautes
Wijnegem, 7 December 2016 – In the village of Payerne (canton of Vaud), in Switzerland, a truly remarkable project is about to be launched. SolarXplorers SA is planning to fly to the edge of space in 2018. Nothing special, you may think, it has been done before. This time, however, a plane fully powered by solar energy will ascend into the stratosphere, at an altitude of 25 km above the earth’s surface. Clearly, the preparations for this record flight on renewable energy are already in full swing. “Today the plane and the hangar erected by Frisomat are presented to the general public”, says Joost Van Herck, business developer at Frisomat.
INNOVATION
Flying aboard a solar plane at an altitude of 25 km is no mean feat. “Continuous innovation is key for the success of such a challenging project”, explains pilot Raphaël Domjan. “A similar innovative approach was needed for the expansion of our aircraft hangar with VIP corner. It’s actually a temporary project. The workshop therefore had to be easily dismountable, so that it can later be relocated elsewhere.” The standardised Meccano concept applied by Belgian steel constructor Frisomat, provided an excellent solution.
XL SLIDING DOOR
“To facilitate assembly work on the aircraft with its 25 m wingspan, Frisomat designed a 30 m wide building with an XL sliding door”, says Joost Van Herck. This enables SolarXplorers SA to ride the solar plane in and out for test flights or showcases, in no time at all. “By meeting such demands, Frisomat proves it fully understands in which direction we want to go with this eco adventure. As a company, they represent the same values and standards as SolarXplorers SA, which was the decisive factor in our partnership decision.”
PARTNERSHIP
The Swiss group found in Frisomat a perfect co-ambassador. “The lightweight steel and the modular system used by Frisomat seamlessly fit in with our vision of ecology”, says Domjan. “For the promotion of renewable energy air travel, we want to work only with partners that are also committed to sustainability.”
©solarstratos
SUSTAINBILITY
“As an international steel constructor, we are delighted to be involved in such an ecological and challenging project”, Van Herck says enthusiastically. “We completed the construction of the 450 m² hangar at Payerne airport in less than one month.” This speed was crucial to allow the presentation of the stratospheric solar plane to take place today. “We met our deadline”, concludes Van Herck. “It’s now up to SolarXplorers SA to further make their dream come true in 2018.”
ABOUT FRISOMAT
Founded in 1978 by Guy Somers, Frisomat specialises in the development, production and construction of industrial buildings made out of cold rolled steel. Each building consists of prefabricated lightweight steel components that fit together like one giant Meccano set. This makes Frisomat buildings both easy to transport and assemble. Over 80% of our production is destined for export.
Frisomat has 14 branches worldwide, and production plants in Belgium, Brazil and Russia. Through this international network Frisomat has completed over 30,000 steel construction projects in more than 100 countries.
