Norelco joins iconic heritage property renovation project – supplied Paretec with an electrical distribution system for the National Museum of Finland

Paretec Oy, responsible for the electrical work in the National Museum’s renovation and extension project, describes the site as one with not only the usual construction challenges but also additional special requirements. This was one of the reasons why the company wanted Norelco as its equipment supplier for the contract. 

“Norelco has the expertise required for projects of this type. In addition, their offer was competitive,” explains Paretec’s Project Manager, Niklas Gräsbeck. Norelco’s Sales Manager, Markku Mikkonen, says that trust between the companies has been built over more than a decade of cooperation. “Paretec knows that we can provide the right, tailor-made products for the site right from the start. We have a skilled design team to assist with assembly drawings, and our production is reliable and cost-effective.”

The switchgear package delivered by Norelco to Paretec included around thirty low-voltage switchboards (NorPower 5000, NorPower 1250 and NorLine 800) and a busbar system. Norelco also carried out arc monitor parameterisation and testing, as well as parameterisation and testing of air and compact circuit breakers, labelling, and on-site installation of the busbar system. “The distribution system formed by the switchboards supplies electricity to the entire property, so it is critical infrastructure for all electrical functions,” Mikkonen explains Norelco’s role in the project.

Smooth supply chain from design to delivery

Paretec accepted Norelco’s offer in December 2024. The design phase, which began in January 2025, lasted about a month, during which Norelco’s designer prepared proposal drawings and numbered the main diagrams based on the client’s information. “Once the client approved the proposal drawings, the project moved into production, and the equipment was dispatched to the site as agreed in the last week of May.”

Norelco’s installation team returned in the autumn to make additions and minor design changes to the switchgear. Gräsbeck praises Norelco for smooth cooperation, where the client was never left alone at any stage. “Norelco’s solution-oriented approach and commitment to the end result were important to us as the client.”

Scheduling was spot on

Mikkonen commends the client’s successful site scheduling. He notes that in a project the size of the National Museum, everything must happen on time. The site and lifting equipment cannot be left idle due to delivery delays, as costs keep running. The location in busy central Helsinki also required pre-agreed traffic arrangements.

“A unit weighing about two tonnes, eight metres wide and just over two metres high was moved to its designated spot at exactly the right time,” Mikkonen says, emphasising that Norelco also kept the client constantly updated on the order status.

“We use delivery time tracking and weekly reporting, so the site is always informed about deliveries and approval status.”

New joint projects are already underway

The National Museum’s renovation and extension project will be completed in 2027, but the substation and main switchboard have been commissioned and are already supplying power to areas in the testing phase. “Our installation work will continue until next summer, and we still have quite a bit of fine-tuning to do on-site in cooperation with the main contractor,” Gräsbeck says.

Mikkonen is pleased that Norelco was able to participate as Paretec’s partner in electrifying such a unique site. He says that working with Paretec is based on mutual trust and open dialogue. “We always do our best and make corrections if needed. New deals with Paretec have already been signed.”

Contact: Markku Mikkonen | +358 50 525 5309 | markku.mikkonen@norelco.fi 

Picture: Suomen kansallismuseo / JKMM Arkkitehdit