The Research and Development Collaboration between Sandvik Materials Technology and the Vasa Museum on Vasa bolt replacement has qualified for the finals of KulturochNäringsliv, The Swedish Arts and Business Awards 2011.
The collaboration, which grew out of a discussion of what material would be suitable to replace the iron bolts that are corroding in Vasa’s hull, is one of three finalists in the competition grants, which aim to promote a closer cooperation between culture and business. On 22 March 2012, the winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Gothenburg.
“We are pleased that the cooperation has been noticed. It’s exciting when you find a project that is so valuable to both parties. For the Vasa Museum, the preservation work is a constant challenge. With Sandvik’s help we have come a long way towards our goal to preserve Vasa for over 1,000 years”, says Marika Hedin, Director of the Vasa Museum, a statement which is backed by Jonas Gustavsson, President of Sandvik Materials Technology.
“This is very good news. We have always felt that our cooperation with the Vasa Museum is something extraordinary, and to have it confirmed as one of the finalists in the Swedish Arts and Business Awards is a fantastic feeling,” said Jonas Gustavsson.
Both the Vasa Museum and Sandvik look forward to March 22nd with eager anticipation.
“We are cautiously optimistic with regards to the final in Gothenburg, but whatever the outcome is, I am very proud of both our place in the final, as well as our cooperation with the Vasa Museum,” concludes Jonas Gustavsson.
The jury has justified the nomination as the project provides a prime example of how to combine the technical excellence of yesterday with that of today. This is a unique long-term collaboration between one of Sweden’s leading engineering companies and a Swedish national treasure.
