Flexibility and lead times in focus as the Nordics move towards an SF6-free future

Person working on a switchgear

We are now in the midst of the major transition towards an SF6-free future. Across all our Nordic markets – Sweden, Denmark, and Finland – we see pressure increasing rapidly as the regulatory change approaches. Order volumes are strong, and demand for SF6-free solutions is growing month by month.

Shared challenges across the nordic market

Together with some of our sales representatives in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, we take a closer look at the current market situation – and how we, together with our customers, are finding the right way forward. A common theme across the Nordics is that delivery times and flexibility are crucial. The transition is not only about choosing a replacement product, but about being able to secure entire projects – from switchgear to complete substations – with reliability and clarity.

At KL Industri, we have seen a strong response to our short lead times and reliable delivery capability during the early stages of the transition towards the upcoming SF6 ban – an asset we consider a key factor for the future as the transition accelerates ahead of the regulation’s entry into force.

Manufacturer-independent approach provides flexibility for the customer

With our unerRING switchgear, which is both proven and modular in design, we can tailor deliveries to each individual project. At the same time, we complement our offering with other established products when they are right for the customer. A current alternative on the market is Schneider’s RM AirSeT, which is based on an innovative combination of pure air and vacuum interruption – entirely free from F-gases. With high safety, long service life, and the option for digital monitoring, we see RM AirSeT as a sustainable alternative that gives us and our customers even greater freedom of choice in the energy transition.

Over a long period, we have built up a production capacity that enables us to deliver with short lead times – a key factor as the transition now accelerates. Our strength lies in the combination of in-house manufacturing in Finspång, strong partnerships, and close relationships with our customers.

The Swedish market keeps modularity and flexibility in focus

In Sweden, there is a clear acceleration in the transition. Many stakeholders want to ensure that their upcoming projects can be carried out without the risk of delivery delays.

Our solution, unerRING, is in focus – a modular switchgear that can be built based on customer needs and adapted to different project requirements. The major advantage is flexibility: the switchgear can be delivered quickly, stored in Finspång, and assembled on-site, which allows us to meet both high volumes and tighter schedules.

– “We see a shortage of switchgears in the market today. Many manufacturers have lead times stretching far beyond the new year if you order now. With unerRING, however, we can assemble solutions at short notice, which is a huge advantage for our customers. We are also manufacturer-independent, which means we can complement with other suppliers’ switchgears when needed. This makes us agile in the transition and gives our customers confidence that they will always get the right solution for their project,” says Martin Björcke, Sales Sweden.

In Denmark, the focus remains on quality and sustainability

In the Danish market, demand for high-quality and long-term sustainable products is evident. Customers want to be sure they are investing in solutions that meet tomorrow’s requirements, both environmentally and operationally.

– “In Denmark, we see that customers want to be proactive, and they place high demands on both sustainability and quality. Our offering is a perfect fit since we can deliver switchgear that is tested, proven, and ready for the future. With unerRING, customers get a flexible and reliable solution, while we – thanks to our strong partnerships – can also complement with other solutions. By combining our own strengths with the best alternatives on the market, we can always create a tailored path forward for each customer. It is this reliability and flexibility that make us a natural choice in Denmark right now, as we continue to grow in the market from our successful collaboration with Nexel,” says Poul Fussing, Sales Denmark.

Demand for delivery capability and reliability in Finland

In Finland, KL Industri has an established position with a recognized secure delivery capability. Customers want to avoid delays in their long-term projects and are looking for suppliers who can guarantee reliability in both planning and execution.

– “We clearly see that customers appreciate our delivery capability in the market. We have several projects where customers see the advantages of our substations and switchgear, which are proven products that can be tailored to their needs. At the same time, the upcoming EU requirement is very near, which makes forward planning and preparation the main focus. The earlier we are involved in the planning, the smoother the transition becomes for the customer. It is about both securing capacity and avoiding unnecessary delays – which is why it is important to contact us already now,” says Tero Valtanen, Inhouse Sales Finland.

At KL Industri, we are ready for your project

The transition is in full swing – and the pace is increasing. At KL Industri, we have the technology, production capacity, and experience required to deliver future-proof solutions across the Nordics. With unerRING as the foundation and complementary alternatives such as RM AirSeT, we can meet customer needs with short lead times, providing both reliability and flexibility.

Contact us today to secure your deliveries for 2026