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Grow Your Way
"No future without technology"
Swedish pig farmer Mikael Hugoson sleeps soundly thanks to ABB
“We invest in the future, we never think on the short term.” Mikael Hugoson— entrepreneur, farmer, pioneer, and father — speaks with profound emotion as he guides us through Alviksgården, his expansive 27,000-pig farm just outside Luleå in northern Sweden. For him, technology, sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.
Retirement reimagined: a passion for pigs and new beginnings
At 68, Hugoson defies the typical expectations of retirement, like sitting with a book by the chimney. Instead, this vibrant entrepreneur with a particular fondness for pigs moved from Skåne (southern Sweden) up to Luleå in 1976. He started Alviksgården, which began as a home for 3,000 pigs. “Today, we raise a population of 27,000 pigs.” Raise? Yes, for Hugoson, — together with the support of about 300 employees, they oversee the complete pig farming process, from raising and nurturing to processing and packaging approximately 1,000 pigs per day.
➞ Read on or watch Mikael's story on Youtube here.
ABB’s advanced drive technology: Ensuring peaceful nights for farmers
As we toured one of his vast barns, his eyes sparkled with affection at the sight of a sow feeding her piglets. Raising animals for food does not mean the farmer lacks compassion for them. “Every day we do our utmost to ensure the pigs have the most comfortable life possible. Taking care of animals means they give us much in return; it's a mutual relationship based on respect," he explains as he cradles a piglet affectionately, clearly walking his talk.
“Fundamental to providing comfort for the pigs is climate control. Depending on their size and age, pigs require very specific temperatures and humidity levels,” Hugoson continues. Thanks to ABB’s advanced drive technology, we can precisely manage and monitor the barn’s climate, —including temperature, ventilation, and energy intake— using his smartphone, tablet, or computer. "Despite managing a large farm, I have perfect control over everything. I can sleep soundly—thanks to ABB."
Hugoson relentless energy is fueled by vision, infectious optimism, and the courage to take risks. “I rarely see problems; instead, I focus on the positives. And if a challenge does arise, I tackle it right away.”
The crucial role of technology partners alongside farmers
Yet, Hugoson acknowledges that he is not the most technical person. “That is why I am grateful to have Krister Johansson from AutoEl by my side to handle all the technical details. On top of that, we have easy access to the nearby ABB office. It is reassuring to know that help is always around.”
In Hugoson's view, technology is the only way forward. “We must continually invest in the latest technology. I am convinced that robots and AI will also play a critical role. We can no longer afford to assign monotonous tasks to humans. If you do not invest in technology, you will fall behind and not be part of the future.”
Sustainability practices secure profitability and legacy
Technology clearly supports sustainability. This is not different at Alviksgården. “And what is more”, Hugoson adds, “is that investments in sustainability always pay off. Sustainability leads to profitability. It is a win-win for all.”
Looking to the future Hugoson says, “I think in generations, rather than looking on the short term only. Everything we do, we do it for the next generation. My dream is that my children will gradually take over all our operations. When that time comes, I will proudly watch them take the reins.”
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