Small changes reduce waste in Scania’s engine manufacturing
05 Nov 2026
Small changes reduce waste in Scania’s engine manufacturing
5 NOVEMBER 2026
A new way of handling grinding residue is expected to reduce waste from one production process by around 240 tonnes a year. It is one example of how Scania’s engine manufacturing teams find practical ways to use resources more efficiently while reducing costs.
In Scania’s engine manufacturing, work is underway to identify unnecessary costs and reduce waste in production. Across the organisation, 144 improvement initiatives are in progress, ranging from changes to manufacturing processes to finding better ways of using materials already in the operation.
One example comes from crankshaft manufacturing, where a team has found a way to recover cutting fluid that was previously handled as waste.
Joakim Bergensand and Kinga Hejzner combined their production and environmental expertise to find a better use for grinding residue.
Finding value in what was left behind
Grinding crankshafts produces a mixture of fine metal particles and cutting fluid. Previously, the mixture was handled as waste, even though approximately 80 percent consisted of liquid. Joakim Bergensand, Production Technician, and Kinga Hejzner, Environmental Coordinator, worked together to find a better solution.
A compression machine has now been installed in the crankshaft production area. It separates the cutting fluid from the metal particles, allowing the fluid to be reused in the manufacturing process. The remaining material is compressed into briquettes containing around 80–85 percent metal particles.
Once the cutting fluid is recovered, the remaining material is compressed into briquettes containing around 80–85 per cent metal particles.
The change is expected to reduce the amount of waste requiring handling from approximately 360 tonnes to 120 tonnes annually. Reusing the cutting fluid also reduces the need for new cutting fluid, chemicals and water. The equipment represents an investment of approximately SEK 1.9 million, with expected annual savings of around SEK 1.3 million.
The initiative represents an investment of around SEK 1.9 million, with expected annual savings of approximately SEK 1.3 million.
“This is a good example of a win-win. We reduce waste and cost at the same time, while taking better care of the resources already in the process,” says Hejzner.
Questioning established routines
Not every improvement requires new equipment or a major investment. In other parts of engine manufacturing, teams review how often filters need to be replaced. By testing whether they can remain in use for longer without affecting process performance, unnecessary replacements may be avoided.
Packaging is another area where examining established routines has delivered results. In one case, updating packaging data to reflect actual weights reduced costs and unnecessary handling.
The common factor is a willingness to question established ways of working and verify whether a different approach delivers better results.
“We are not only looking for short-term savings. The aim is to create lasting changes in the way we work. “When we eliminate waste, we also strengthen our ability to handle future challenges,” says Markus Rengfors, Finance Manager, Engine Manufacturing.
Improvements that can be shared
The work also creates opportunities to share knowledge across Scania’s engine manufacturing operations. A solution developed in one production area may be relevant elsewhere, even if the equipment or processes are different.
“We see that people are inspired by each other. When one team shows what is possible, another team can adapt it to their own process,” says Bergensand.
The crankshaft team’s approach is one example of how practical improvements can be shared and adapted across engine manufacturing.
Together, the 144 ongoing initiatives are expected to deliver annual savings of SEK 109 million. Beyond the financial results, the work demonstrates the value of involving people who understand production processes in detail. By combining their practical knowledge with environmental and financial expertise, Scania can identify opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.
The crankshaft example shows what that can mean in practice: less material requiring waste handling, cutting fluid returned to production and a change that is expected to generate savings year after year.