Collaborating on extensive order from ESO
Fagerström, Examec and RFR Solutions
The companies Fagerström Industrikonsult, RFR Solutions and Examec are working together on a high-tech project for ESO, aware that collaboration will increase their chances of winning more orders from international research facilities in the future.
We start from scratch, asking ourselves ‘What’s the problem?’, and then find our way to our very own solution.
Large ESO contract
After submitting an impressive tender, Fagerström Industrikonsult won, in 2020, an extensive order from European Southern Observatory (ESO). Fagerström are washing and stripping the old coating on the extremely expensive mirror segments, which is necessary before a new reflecting layer can be placed on the mirrors to retain the telescope’s performance.
For the work on the telescope in Chile, Fagerström are developing a machine that scrapes away the reflective silver coating on 788 mirrors that together form one gigantic mirror, 40 metres in diameter. The work is performed in an extreme environment, at a height of 3,000 metres.
Building on this experience, Fagerström is now working on a second machine based on the same proven and verified technology. While much of the concept remains unchanged, the new project involves different seismic conditions, requiring substantial engineering efforts to adapt the design and ensure reliable performance.
Find your own solutions
Fagerström Industrikonsult won the contract in tough competition with international giants. Carl Johan Fagerström, Managing Director, emphasises the importance of being creative, looking at different solutions, and not being afraid to push the boat out when submitting a tender.
Collaboration broadens capabilities
Fagerström Industrikonsult initiated a rewarding collaboration with two other member companies, RFR Solutions and Examec, whose complementary expertise can contribute to various parts of the extensive ESO order. Fagerström are responsible for design and project management, while RFR Solutions and Examec take care of production.
Carl Johan Fagerström sees strength in such a collaboration.
“By combining our different areas of expertise, we can take on larger and more complex projects than any of us could manage alone. This not only strengthens our delivery capacity but also increases our competitiveness.”
Fagerström Industrikonsult offer technical improvements in most types of processes and develop unique specialised machines. The company took its first steps into the Big Science market in 2015 with long-term mechanical design assignments for ESS, and is now also a supplier to ESO.
RFR Solutions are stainless steel specialists focusing on markets with stringent and challenging requirements. The company has a number of recurring orders, for example to ESS and CERN. Services include laser cutting, bending, licensed welding, surface treatment and validation.
Examec offers building of complete instruments/machines, machine tooling of larger components, assembly, and testing. The company views Big Science as a strategic market, and its clients include ESS, MAX IV, and CERN.
Last edited 2026