As Swedev marks 40 years, owner and longtime chairman Jarl Hallberg reflects on a journey that began almost by chance – and grew through long-term thinking, steady improvements in processes and technology, and strong relationships. What started with a wish to keep the company rooted in its hometown Munkfors became a lasting commitment to quality, people, and progress.
Swedev’s modern chapter began almost by coincidence. Originally out to buy an American van, Jarl Hallberg unexpectedly found himself considering a company acquisition instead. At the time, Swedev was on the verge of being sold, and there was a risk it wouldn’t remain in Munkfors. That thought didn’t sit well with Jarl.
“I felt it would be a real loss if the company were moved elsewhere. We wanted to keep it here and see what it could become,” he says. Jarl also saw something promising in the people and the product.
“They had skilled staff. And they were working with band steel, which is used for doctor blades. I saw something there worth building on,” he says. That unexpected decision would mark the start of a new chapter for Swedev.
Since the takeover, Swedev has consistently reinvested in its facilities, processes, and people.
“We’ve always believed in improving things—better machines, better processes, staying competitive. If we find something that works better, we go for it,” Jarl explains.
One such leap came with the creation of a custom-built packaging line, a bold move at the time. “People said, ‘That’s too expensive, not worth it for the volumes we do.’ But I was convinced. We built it – and it turned out to be a great investment,” he says.
That mindset—building first, growing sustainably – helped Swedev modernize while maintaining control.
Swedev could have followed the path many others have taken—moving production elsewhere to cut costs. But for Jarl Hallberg, the idea of leaving Munkfors was never on the table.
“From the beginning, the vision was to keep it here. I’m a bit of a Munkfors patriot,” he says.
Instead of chasing cheaper labor or quicker wins, Jarl focused on what would keep Swedev strong in the long run: technology, people, and precision. “For us, it’s about being smarter – investing in the best technology and constantly improving how we work,” he explains.
Keeping operations close has allowed Swedev to retain full control over quality, maintain strong customer relationships, and build something meaningful.
The result is something rare: a company that competes globally while staying deeply rooted locally—a team and a product line shaped by efficiency, loyalty to place, people, and purpose.
Technology matters—but people matter more. “The most important resource we have is our staff,” Jarl says. “If people enjoy coming to work, if they feel they’re part of something, that’s when the magic happens.” Swedev’s culture is often described as familial—and that’s no coincidence. “We’ve worked to create that sense of family. I believe it makes a real difference,” Jarl says.
Customer relationships follow the same philosophy. “When you have a choice, you go with the supplier who gives you good service and who you enjoy working with. That’s been our focus,” he says.
This mindset continues under the leadership of Jarl’s daughter, Pernilla. “She has great people sense,” he says. “That’s her strength. We complement each other well.”
Jarl’s view on leadership is grounded in authenticity and openness.
“You should never try to be someone you’re not. It’s better to be transparent. I say: I don’t know that—we need your help.”
He emphasizes the importance of dialogue and trust, both in decision-making and in everyday operations. “We’ve always bounced ideas around. You don’t need all the answers yourself. Some of the best solutions come from just talking things through.”
Even when something goes wrong, he believes how you respond is what matters most. “If a customer has a complaint, you don’t sweep it under the rug. You go into it, show you care, and fix it. That builds trust.”
Asked what advice he’d give to the next generation at Swedev, Jarl doesn’t hesitate.
“I think it comes down to being humble and building good relationships,” he says.
For him, the key to Swedev’s future lies in the same values that shaped its past: openness, honesty, and the willingness to listen. “We’ve tried to create that sense of family. I think it really makes a difference.”
And that, perhaps, is the true legacy: a company built not only on precision, quality and progress—but on trust, togetherness, and staying true to who you are.