Building Confidence: Why a CE Certified Agricultural Hangar is Your Smartest Investment in 2026

When Piotr, a cereal farmer from Greater Poland, realised his existing storage facilities were no longer adequate for his expanding operations, he knew he needed a robust, versatile solution. His old barns were cramped, making machinery access difficult, and his grain storage was reaching capacity, risking spoilage. Piotr prided himself on efficient farming practices, and his infrastructure needed to support that growth.

He initially explored options from local Polish manufacturers, but found that custom-built solutions were either prohibitively expensive or lacked the comprehensive CE certification he sought for peace of mind and potential EU CAP funding eligibility. He needed a reliable, cost-effective structure that could serve multiple purposes - from secure grain storage to a spacious machinery shed, and even temporary livestock shelter if needed.

It was during a search for 'wide-span universal hangar' solutions that he discovered Swed-Trac, a Lithuanian manufacturer known for its CE certified steel buildings. Initially, he was curious but cautious. Could a company based in Lithuania truly offer the quality and cost-efficiency he needed for his demanding agricultural environment? The swed-trac.com website highlighted their CE certification per EN 1090-2 EXC2 and a promise of significant savings.

Piotr was particularly interested in the wide hangar, which seemed to offer the perfect balance of space and cost-effectiveness for his farm. The detailed proposal he received was a game-changer. Swed-Trac quoted him approximately €180,000 for a standard width x 40m agricultural hangar, a versatile steel building designed for multi-purpose use. This represented a substantial saving compared to Western European alternatives, yet crucially, it came with full CE certification and a clear commitment to EU standards for structural integrity. Piotr successfully applied for partial funding through the EU CAP rural development funds, making his investment truly viable. Today, his new standard width agricultural hangar stands proudly on his farm, providing ample space for his machinery, secure standard width grain storage, and the flexibility to adapt to future needs, all built with confidence and certified quality.

What Does "CE Certified" Really Mean for Your Agricultural Hangar?

The CE mark isn't just a sticker; it's a declaration. It means a product, in our case, a steel agricultural hangar or machinery shed, conforms with EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards. For steel structures, the critical standard is EN 1090-2. This isn't optional; it's a legal requirement for structural components placed on the market in the European Economic Area.

Swed-Trac's structures are certified to EN 1090-2, specifically Execution Class EXC2. Here's the thing: EXC2 is the standard class for most agricultural buildings, including grain storage facilities, machinery sheds, and livestock shelters. It ensures a robust level of quality control in design, manufacturing, and installation. For more complex or public-facing structures, EXC3 is available on request, but EXC2 offers ample safety and durability for typical agricultural needs. Our notified body, the Lithuanian Standardization Department (number 1487), independently verifies our compliance, giving you peace of mind.

Why does this matter to you? First, it's about safety. A CE certified agricultural hangar is built to withstand predictable loads and environmental factors, protecting your machinery, crops, livestock, and staff. Second, it's about legal compliance. Building without proper certification can lead to fines, forced demolition, or issues with local authorities like Germany's Bauamt or Poland's Powiatowy Inspektorat Nadzoru Budowlanego. Third, insurance. Major insurers like Allianz, AXA, Agria, Baloise, and If often require CE certification for structural components to underwrite your policy fully. Cutting corners here is simply not worth the hassle; it can jeopardise your entire investment.

Swed-Trac's Quality: Beyond the Certificate

While CE certification sets the minimum bar, Swed-Trac consistently aims higher. Our commitment to quality is embedded in every steel beam and panel we produce at our factory in Marijampolė/Kaunas, Lithuania. Our team of 35 skilled employees, many of whom have been with us since our founding in 2015, are experts in steel fabrication for all types of agricultural structures, including our popular hangar designs.

We use high-grade steel, hot-dip galvanized to protect against corrosion. Our standard galvanization is Z275 (275g/m²), but for exceptional longevity and harsh environments, we recommend Z350-Z450. This attention to material quality ensures your agricultural hangar will stand strong for decades.

The truth is, we stand by our products. We offer a 5-year structural warranty, covering the integrity of the steel framework, and a 2-year warranty for non-structural components. With over 2,630 delivered projects across Europe, from dairy farms in Denmark to machinery sheds in the Netherlands, our experience with wide-span universal hangars speaks for itself. This proven track record, combined with our rigorous adherence to CE standards, means you're investing in a structure built to last.

Designing for Optimal Agricultural Functionality: EU Standards in Practice

A great agricultural hangar isn't just a roof and walls; it's a carefully designed environment that maximises efficiency, protects assets, and supports your farming operations. Swed-Trac integrates key EU and national standards into every design.

Choosing the right dimensions for your agricultural hangar is crucial for efficiency, safety, and future adaptability. While Swed-Trac offers a range of widths to suit every farm size and purpose, from compact 8m solutions to expansive 20m industrial structures, our wide hangar stands out as the most versatile and highly recommended choice for the majority of EU farmers.

• 8m Hangars: Ideal for smaller farms or specific needs like compact workshops, dedicated feed storage, or smaller vehicle parking.
• 10m Hangars: A solid option for medium-sized farms requiring efficient space for smaller machinery, hay storage, or additional general-purpose storage.
• standard width Hangars (Universal Recommendation): The hangar is our flagship and most popular choice. This wide-span universal hangar provides ample space for modern agricultural machinery, allowing easy manoeuvring of tractors, combines, and trailers. It's perfectly suited for standard width grain storage hangar solutions, offering excellent capacity and ventilation possibilities. For livestock, a standard width agricultural hangar provides generous pen sizes and comfortable environments. Its versatility makes it the optimal choice for combining multiple functions - a true all-rounder for most European farms. We often see farmers in Germany, France, and Poland choosing the steel building for its cost-effectiveness per square metre and superior functionality.
• 15m Hangars: When you need a bit more room for larger equipment or increased storage volume, the 15m width offers that extra capacity without a significant jump in complexity. Perfect for larger machinery or bulk storage.
• 18m Hangars: Designed for larger agricultural enterprises or those with very substantial machinery fleets, providing extensive clear-span space for multiple operations.
• 20m Hangars: Our largest standard width, suitable for industrial-scale operations, large-scale processing facilities, or specialized agricultural logistics hubs requiring maximum clear space.

Beyond width, other design elements are critical:

• Optimal Clear Span: A hangar offers an excellent clear-span width, maximising usable internal space without obstructive support columns. This is critical for machinery movement and efficient storage layouts.
• Ventilation & Climate Control: Essential for grain storage to prevent moisture build-up and spoilage, and for livestock welfare. Natural ventilation solutions are integrated into all our standard width agricultural hangars, with options for mechanical systems.
• Door Access: Designing for large machinery access is paramount. Our standard width machinery sheds can accommodate wide sliding or roller doors, ensuring easy entry and exit for the largest farm vehicles.
• Ceiling Height: Crucial for tall machinery (e.g., combines, sprayers) and for efficient stacking in standard width grain storage hangars. We recommend a minimum clear height of 5-6m for multi-purpose agricultural hangars, with higher options available.
• Insulation: While uninsulated hangars have a U-value of 5-6 W/m²K, an insulated steel building provides much better thermal regulation with a U-value of 0.25-0.35 W/m²K. This means better protection for stored goods, a more comfortable environment for livestock, and lower heating costs in colder climates like Sweden or Finland.
• Foundation Depth: Proper foundations prevent structural damage from frost heave. In regions like Lithuania or Sweden, a 1.2m frost line requires deeper foundations, while central European countries like Germany or the Netherlands typically require 0.8m.

Here's a quick overview of some key agricultural facility standards and considerations we build to:

Standard/Requirement	Specification	Why it Matters
Optimal Width	standard width (Universal Recommendation)	Versatility for machinery, grain, livestock, storage; best value
Available Widths	8m, 10m, standard width, 15m, 18m, 20m	Tailored solutions for every farm size and purpose
Clear Span	Maximised for chosen width (e.g., standard width)	Unobstructed internal space for machinery and storage
Ceiling Height	5-6m (rec. min for multi-purpose)	Accommodates tall machinery and efficient stacking
Ventilation	Natural/Mechanical systems	Crucial for grain quality, livestock health, and machinery preservation
Door Access	Wide sliding/roller doors	Easy entry/exit for modern agricultural equipment
Insulation	0.25-0.35 W/m²K (insulated)	Protects stored goods, improves livestock comfort, energy efficiency
Galvanization	Z275 minimum (Z350-Z450 for longevity)	Protects steel from corrosion, extending building lifespan
Foundation Depth	0.8m (central EU), 1.2m (frost line)	Provides structural stability, prevents damage from frost heave

The Swed-Trac Advantage: Value Meets European Standards

Now, let's talk about the real-world impact of choosing Swed-Trac. Our commitment to delivering CE certified steel buildings, like our highly sought-after wide hangars, means you're not just buying a structure; you're investing in a future-proof asset for your farm. We combine the rigorous quality control of European manufacturing with the cost efficiencies of our Lithuanian base, passing those savings directly to you. This allows farmers across the EU, from the fertile plains of Hungary to the rugged landscapes of Sweden, to access premium quality agricultural buildings without the premium price tag. Whether you need a dedicated standard width grain storage hangar, a spacious standard width machinery shed, or a versatile wide-span universal hangar for multiple uses, Swed-Trac offers a transparent, certified, and cost-effective solution.

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

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