Light fixtures are delivered from Vaasa to the most demanding industry environments. Jukolux Oy specializes in luminaires for heavy industry and potentially explosive atmospheres.
The core products of Vaasa-based company Jukolux are ATEX luminaires designed for potentially explosive atmospheres where for example flammable gases or dust are present. The fixtures must comply with strict directives and certification requirements to ensure safety.
Jukolux products are manufactured at EFC Finland’s production facilities in the Vikby industrial area. Jukolux is responsible for product design, productization, certification, commercialization, and sales. EFC Finland, acting as a subcontractor, handles assembly and delivery.
Three main product families
Jukolux luminaires are divided into three main product families: luminaires designed for ATEX environments, luminaires for high ambient temperatures, and industrial luminaires for heavy industrial use.
”ATEX luminaires are designed for environments where there is a risk of explosion, due to for example gases or dust. Jukolux’s special luminaires are designed to withstand extreme conditions where vapors, chemicals and heat constantly put strain on the equipment,” says Annu Virtanen, Sales and Marketing Manager at Jukolux.
Conversely, luminaires for high ambient temperatures are intended for environments where the temperature can temporarily rise to as high as 100 degrees Celsius. These environments often also contain dirt, dust and chemicals, which place additional demands on the lighting and the connectors in LED luminaires.
Virtanen notes that Jukolux is often perceived only as a manufacturer of ATEX luminaires, when in fact its product range covers a wide variety of industrial lighting solutions.
Jukolux also collaborates with other lighting manufacturers. Through its partners, the company is even able to offer solutions for area and street lighting, as well as safety and guidance lighting.
”We can supply entire lighting systems if necessary. Customers don’t need to look for different suppliers for different needs,” says Sami Gräsbeck, Chief Operating Officer at Jukolux.
Inside an ATEX luminaire designed in Vaasa
In potentially explosive atmospheres, even a small spark can cause a severe accident, which is why the design of luminaires is subject to strict international standards and certification requirements.
The main objective of ATEX luminaires is to fully prevent the creation of sparks.
”The idea is to protect electrical components so that they cannot cause a spark hazard under any circumstances. If a spark is created, it can ignite gas or dust, and thus the entire space,” explains Gräsbeck.
The construction of Jukolux ATEX luminaires is based on encapsulation. The luminaire’s electrical components, such as LED modules and power supplies, are embedded in a protective compound that prevents contact with gases and dust. This prevents the formation of ignition points.
The design also takes optics into account, as powerful LED lights can themselves pose a risk.
”LED technology has advanced to a point where excessive light output can create a so-called magnifying glass effect. If not controlled, this concentrated light from a small area of LEDs could ignite the surroundings. Jukolux luminaires are designed and dimensioned to deliver highly efficient light output while generating minimal heat, ensuring they never produce excessive light in their operating environment.”
In addition to improving safety, this solution also extends the service life of the products.
”When temperatures are kept low, the load on components is reduced and the life cycle of the luminaire is extended.”
The luminaires are constructed from ready-made, tested basic components and modules, which can be combined to create the solution that best suits the customer’s needs.
Excellence lies in the details
Jukolux’s competitive advantage is based on several factors. One of the most important is that the products are made in Finland and are suitable for northern conditions.
”Our luminaires are designed to operate in temperatures as low as –40 degrees Celsius. Many Central European solutions are clearly inferior in this respect,” the company notes.
Another strong factor is ease of installation. Jukolux has developed user-friendly installation solutions for its luminaires, allowing them to be installed quickly and safely.
The company has several long-term customers in Finnish industry. Among the most significant are Neste, with its refinery in Porvoo, and other industrial facilities. The framework agreement between Neste and Jukolux is valid for several years and covers products that meet Neste’s needs and requirements.
Finnish quality is emphasized at Jukolux, as more than 90 percent of the company’s work and components come from Finland.
Future prospects
Jukolux is constantly developing its business and products. Its immediate goal is to launch a new product family of ATEX luminaires and to investigate what development measures are required in international markets.
”Once the components have been approved, we can develop new frame structures without having to go through the entire certification process again from scratch,” says Gräsbeck.
The company also focuses strongly on exports. It has been piloting international markets in recent years, but a broader investment is still ahead. However, Jukolux already has partners in several countries.
The goal is to grow exports in a controlled manner in the coming years, while also seeking growth from large domestic industrial projects. The company is keen to hear the views and suggestions of players with expertise and networks in international markets.
This article is part of a series about companies undertaking world-class product development in Ostrobothnia. Partners:
