When Janek Kowalski, a third-generation farmer in Greater Poland, decided it was time to expand his operations, he faced a common challenge. His existing storage facilities were nearing capacity, and the single, aging machinery shed was no longer adequate for his growing fleet of modern equipment. Janek envisioned a versatile, robust, and cost-effective steel building that could serve multiple purposes: a dedicated wide hangar for grain storage, a secure space for his combines and tractors, and potentially a future-proof area for livestock or feed.

He started by approaching several established European steel structure suppliers. Quotes for a premium, turnkey solution - incorporating high-quality steel structures from brands often used in industrial applications - consistently landed in the region of €180,000 to €250,000 for a multi-purpose agricultural hangar of significant size. These figures, while reflecting top-tier quality, were a significant strain on his budget, even with potential access to EU CAP rural development funds. Investing in agricultural infrastructure is a substantial undertaking, and finding the right balance between quality, compliance, and cost is paramount for a profitable farm.

Janek also explored options from other Eastern European manufacturers, many of whom offered lower prices. However, concerns about material quality, structural integrity, and crucially, full compliance with stringent EU technical norms like EN 1090-2, made him hesitant. The last thing he wanted was a steel building that looked good on paper but failed to meet local Polish building regulations or offered a questionable structural warranty. Cutting corners on safety and durability is simply not worth the hassle in the long run for a farmer.

Then, through a recommendation from a neighbour, Janek discovered Swed-Trac. Intrigued by the promise of CE-certified quality at a significantly more competitive price point, he initiated contact. Swed-Trac presented a comprehensive proposal for his multi-purpose hangar project, including design, manufacturing, and installation guidance, for an estimated total of €135,000. This represented a saving of over 25% compared to the Western premium quotes, without compromising on the critical aspects of safety, durability, and compliance.

The Challenge: Quality vs. Cost in European Agricultural Construction

Across Europe, from the fertile plains of Brandenburg, Germany, to the dairy farms of Friesland, Netherlands, agricultural businesses grapple with a fundamental challenge: how to build or expand their infrastructure to meet the highest standards of structural integrity, operational efficiency, and animal welfare (if applicable), without breaking the bank. Premium European manufacturers, while offering exceptional quality and reputation, often come with price tags that can deter even well-established enterprises.

The market is awash with options, but discerning true value can be tricky. On one end, you have the established German, Dutch, and Swedish brands, renowned for their craftsmanship and long-standing presence. Their products are undeniably excellent, but their pricing for a large-span agricultural building can be prohibitive. For a complete steel building, turnkey solutions can easily reach €160,000 to €220,000.

On the other end, cheaper alternatives often emerge, primarily from non-EU countries or those operating with less stringent internal regulations. While the initial quotes might be appealing, the lack of verifiable certifications, questionable material traceability, and unclear warranty terms can lead to significant long-term risks. Regulatory bodies across the EU are increasingly strict about facility standards, making non-compliant structures a liability rather than an asset. This is where Swed-Trac steps in, bridging the gap with a compelling proposition.

Swed-Trac's Solution: CE-Certified Excellence, Unbeatable Value

Swed-Trac, a Lithuanian manufacturer founded in 2015, has rapidly established itself as a reliable partner for agricultural infrastructure across Europe. With headquarters in Klaipėda and a team of 35 dedicated employees, we bring the efficiency of modern manufacturing to the farming world. Our track record speaks for itself, with over 2,630 delivered projects to date.

Our core commitment is to deliver CE-certified steel structures per EN 1090-2, execution class EXC2 as standard - the appropriate level for agricultural and storage buildings. For more complex or public-facing projects, EXC3 is available on request. This certification, overseen by the notified body 1487 (Lithuanian Standardization Department), isn't just a label; it's a guarantee of structural integrity, material quality, and manufacturing adherence to the highest European standards.

When it comes to durability, we back our products with confidence: a 5-year structural warranty and a 2-year interior warranty provide genuine peace of mind. Our steel is typically galvanized to Z275 minimum, with Z350-Z450 options available for extended longevity in demanding environments, far exceeding basic requirements.

The real differentiator, however, is our pricing model. Swed-Trac offers solutions that are typically 30-50% cheaper than Western premium brands. Compared to Polish manufacturers, we might be 10-20% more, but that difference buys you full CE certification and EU-standard quality you can trust. This means your investment is not just cost-effective but also future-proof and compliant.

Choosing the Right Width: Why the hangar is the Universal Choice

Swed-Trac offers a range of steel hangar widths to suit every farm's specific needs, from smallholdings to large industrial operations. Our standard widths include:

  • 8m Hangar: Ideal for smaller farms, offering compact storage for basic machinery, feed, or as a workshop.
  • 10m Hangar: A good choice for medium-sized farms, providing more space for tractors, implements, or a dedicated storage area.
  • hangar (UNIVERSAL & RECOMMENDED): This is our most popular and highly recommended width for a reason. A wide hangar provides unparalleled versatility for most agricultural operations. It's wide enough to comfortably house modern combines and large tractors, making it an excellent standard width machinery shed. Its generous span is also perfect for creating efficient standard width grain storage hangar solutions, allowing for easy loading and unloading. For livestock, a steel building offers ample space for animal welfare and ventilation. This wide-span universal hangar truly adapts to evolving farm needs.
  • 15m Hangar: For farms requiring even wider clear spans, suitable for larger machinery fleets or extensive bulk storage.
  • 18m Hangar: Designed for large-scale agricultural enterprises, offering significant capacity for multiple operations under one roof.
  • 20m Hangar: Our largest standard width, typically used for industrial-scale agricultural processing, major logistics hubs, or very large machinery depots.

The hangar stands out as the optimal choice for the vast majority of European farmers. Its dimensions offer the perfect balance between cost-efficiency and functional space. For example, a hangar allows for easy manoeuvring of most agricultural machinery, optimising workflow and reducing the risk of damage. As a standard width grain storage hangar, it provides excellent volume-to-footprint ratio, and its clear span facilitates efficient aeration and distribution systems. The investment in a steel building often yields the best return due to its adaptability and long-term utility.

Here's a comparison of typical project costs, with a focus on the recommended standard width width:

Hangar Type (approx. length) Premium European (e.g., DE/NL) Swed-Trac (approx. 30-40% less) Key Advantage
10m x 24m Agricultural Hangar €80,000 - €120,000 €48,000 - €84,000 Full CE, EU quality, significant savings
standard width x 30m Agricultural Hangar €110,000 - €160,000 €66,000 - €112,000 Universal, CE-certified, excellent value
15m x 40m Machinery Shed €180,000 - €250,000 €108,000 - €175,000 Wide span, certified, economic
20m x 50m Industrial Storage €280,000 - €400,000 €168,000 - €280,000 Large scale, certified, economic

Note: Prices are estimates for 2026 and can vary based on specific project requirements, location, and material choices. VAT (19-25%) is additional and country-dependent.

Beyond the Build: Compliance, Efficiency, and Longevity

Building an agricultural hangar is more than just erecting steel frames; it’s about creating a safe, efficient, and compliant environment for your farm's assets and operations. Swed-Trac understands this holistic approach, integrating critical technical norms into every design.

For instance, the clear span of a steel building is crucial for modern agriculture. It comfortably accommodates the turning radius of large tractors and combines, ensuring smooth operation and preventing costly damage. For a standard width grain storage hangar, the open space allows for optimal placement of aeration ducts, conveyor systems, and easy access for trucks and loaders.

Animal welfare is at the forefront of European regulations for livestock housing. If a standard width agricultural hangar is intended for animals, our designs can incorporate specific requirements for space per animal, ventilation rates, and appropriate materials, adhering to EU Directive 98/58/EC and national rules from bodies like Germany's Veterinäramt or Sweden's Jordbruksverket. Proper ventilation is non-negotiable, with our designs ensuring adequate air exchange for optimal air quality and animal health.

Insulation plays a vital role in protecting crops, machinery, and livestock, as well as in energy efficiency. While uninsulated structures might have U-values of 5-6 W/m²K, our insulated options can achieve a U-value of 0.25-0.35 W/m²K, significantly reducing heating or cooling costs and maintaining a stable internal climate crucial for grain quality or animal comfort. We also factor in local climate specifics, designing foundations to appropriate depths, such as 1.2m for the frost line in regions like Lithuania, Finland, or Sweden, or 0.8m for central European countries like Germany or the Netherlands.

Navigating the landscape of grants and financing can be complex. We understand that projects often benefit from EU CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) or rural development funds (EAFRD). While we don't handle grant applications directly, our transparent pricing and CE certification make it easier to secure financing from major European banks like Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, Crédit Agricole, ING, BNP Paribas, Danske, or Nordea, and obtain suitable insurance from pan-EU providers such as Allianz, AXA, Baloise, or If. Our robust documentation simplifies the due diligence process for all stakeholders.

A Partnership for Success: Why Swed-Trac is the Smart Choice

Janek Kowalski’s experience in Poland is a testament to the Swed-Trac difference. By choosing us, he secured a state-of-the-art, fully compliant standard width agricultural hangar that met his every requirement, all while staying well within his budget. He received not just steel and construction expertise, but a partner who understood the intricacies of European agricultural standards and value.

The truth is, Swed-Trac offers a unique blend of quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness that few others can match. We are not just selling steel; we are providing peace of mind, knowing that your investment is sound, your assets are safe, and your facility meets or exceeds all necessary regulations. This makes Swed-Trac truly worth the money. Our commitment to transparent communication, robust warranties, and adherence to European norms makes us the smart choice for any ambitious agricultural project, especially when considering the optimal wide hangar.

Want a quote on a hangar? Call +370 645 18595 or email info@swedtrac.lt - we will prepare an individual quote within 24 hours.

FAQ

What does CE EN 1090-2 EXC2 mean for my agricultural hangar?

CE EN 1090-2 EXC2 certification signifies that your agricultural hangar's steel structure meets rigorous European standards for design, manufacturing, and installation, ensuring structural integrity, safety, and compliance with EU regulations for agricultural buildings.

How does Swed-Trac compare on price with other European providers?

Swed-Trac is typically 30-50% more affordable than premium Western European brands, while offering full CE certification and EU-standard quality, providing excellent value for your investment.

What kind of warranties do you offer on your steel buildings?

We offer a robust 5-year structural warranty and a 2-year warranty on all interior components, giving you confidence in the long-term durability and performance of your Swed-Trac agricultural hangar.

Do you assist with planning and permits for my agricultural project?

While we don't directly handle local permit applications, our detailed, CE-certified structural designs and documentation significantly simplify the process of obtaining necessary permits from local authorities.

Are Swed-Trac structures suitable for all European climates?

Yes, our structures are engineered to withstand diverse European climates, with designs that account for specific snow loads, wind forces, and foundation depths (e.g., 1.2m frost line in colder regions) relevant to your location.

Can I get financing for my Swed-Trac project, especially for a hangar?

Our transparent pricing, detailed proposals, and CE certification make it easier for clients to secure financing from major European banks and qualify for relevant EU grants like CAP or EAFRD funds, including for a steel building.

How do Swed-Trac hangars ensure compliance for grain storage or machinery?

Our designs adhere to relevant European standards for agricultural storage, focusing on structural integrity for heavy loads (like grain), clear spans for machinery access, and options for proper ventilation and insulation to protect contents.

How long does a typical Swed-Trac project take from order to completion?

Project timelines vary based on complexity and size, but a typical standard width x 30m agricultural hangar project usually takes approximately 4-6 months from design finalisation to complete installation.

Ready to build your ideal agricultural hangar without compromise? Contact Swed-Trac today for a custom quote on a wide hangar or any other size, and discover the difference that CE-certified quality and unbeatable value can make for your project.

📞 +370 645 18595