350 years of Lesjöfors: A legacy of industrial innovation, powering the future since 1675
Pioneers of engineering excellence
In 2025, Lesjöfors Group celebrates a milestone few companies ever reach, 350 years of continuous innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial excellence. From our roots in a small Swedish mill to our presence on three continents, we’ve always been driven by one purpose: keeping the world in motion.
Our components may be hidden inside the products people rely on every day — but our impact is visible in the industries we serve, the progress we power, and the partnerships we build.
Powered by people, trusted by industries
Today, Lesjöfors is a global group with 50+ sites in over 20 countries. Our precision springs, wire forms, and pressings are at work in everything from wind turbines to surgical devices — often unseen, always essential.
But our real strength? Our people. Engineers, innovators, machine operators, and experts — across Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond — who build trust every day through quality, service, and technical excellence.
Jakob Lindquist, Vice President of Lesjӧfors Nordics says:
“This anniversary is more than a celebration of longevity – it’s a tribute to the people behind the progress. From local teams in Sweden to new colleagues in America, India, the UK and France, our people have shaped the company, solved our biggest challenges, and led us into new industries and markets. Lesjöfors wouldn’t be what it is without them.”
Lesjöfors history:
Our lasting legacy
It all started in 1675, with a small iron mill by a river in Sweden and a royal decree to build an iron hammer at Lesjöström.
From electrification and exports during the Great Depression, to bold expansion into component supply for automotive, medical, energy, defense, electronics and beyond — it’s innovation, resilience, and precision that have been at our core.
Every chapter tells a story of bold progress which has led us to now becoming one of the world’s largest spring and pressing manufacturers.
This is how 350 years of progress have shaped the Lesjöfors you know and trust today.
1675
Lesjöfors is born by Royal decree
A royal order authorizes the construction of an iron hammer in Lesjöström, Sweden. This marks the official start of the industrial operation that would evolve into Lesjöfors — a legacy in motion.
1833 – 1852
The Ekman legacy and spring innovation begins
Gustaf Ekman introduces advanced metallurgy from Europe. Under his leadership, Lesjöfors begins making nails, wire, and Sweden’s first leaf and coil springs — laying the foundation for the company’s spring production future.
1853
Powering Sweden’s first locomotive
Lesjöfors leaf springs are used in Förstlingen, Sweden’s first steam locomotive – a major step forward in the country’s development of industrial transport.
1925 – 1950s
Electrification and international trade transforms the company
Led by Baron Gerard De Geer, Lesjöfors invests in electrification, modern factories, and global expansion. During the Great Depression, the company pivots by exporting wire rope to the United States — proving its resilience on the world stage.
1980’s – 2000s
We enter the Automotive Aftermarket sector and are acquired by Beijer Alma
1982 – 1986
Reinvention through employee ownership
In a time of economic challenge, Lesjöfors becomes employee-owned. The company restructures as Lesjöfors AB and renews its focus on innovation and the growing automotive aftermarket.
1989
Strategic growth through Beijer Alma acquisition
Lesjöfors is acquired by Alma Industri (later Beijer Alma), laying the foundation for a powerful growth strategy based on international expansion and acquisition.
1996 – 1997
Fire, resilience & rebirth
A devastating fire destroys our founding Lesjöfors factory. Within a year, a modern world-class facility is operational — a symbol of our company’s determination and ability to bounce back stronger.
2002 – 2007
Expansion into Asia and the UK
We open our first factory in China and acquire Harris Springs and European Springs & Pressings in the UK – rapidly accelerating reach in spring & pressing markets worldwide.
Compression Springs
2011 – 2022
Entry into North America & medical markets
Several further key acquisitions follow: In the USA, Sandvik Spring USA, Plymouth Springs, John Evans, Tollman Group and Stumpp + Schüle in Germany and Slovakia, and the John While Group in Asia – building strong positions in the US, medical, and telecom markets.
2023 – 2025
We become the first spring manufacturer to commit to Science Based Targets (SBTi), expand further across Europe and India, and launch an online shop
2023
Industry First: SBTi climate targets
We proudly become the first spring manufacturer to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – supporting global climate goals set by the Paris Agreement and reinforcing our commitment to responsible manufacturing.
2024
Expanding the European footprint
Lesjöfors acquires Ressorts Lacroix in France and Clifford Springs in the UK. This marks the group’s first manufacturing presence in France and expands energizer spring capabilities in the UK.
2024
A digital leap
We launch our online shop. Offering the world’s widest range of standard stock springs and global access to our product portfolio.
2025
Entering the manufacturing market in India
We acquire India based International Springs & Stampings (ISS) – advancing our global hot and cold coiling production capacity and securing a stronger presence in Asia.
A heartfelt thank you to Lars Bergqvist, our Lesjӧfors historian and archivist for all his support.
Why this story matters
Whether you’re a customer, supplier, partner, or future colleague — understanding where we come from tells you something important about where we’re going:
Long-term thinking
Resilience in every challenge
A culture of trust, innovation and ambition
We don’t just manufacture quality component parts. We build partnerships. We build possibility. We build each other’s performance — together.
Meet some of the people who have helped shape Lesjöfors – our legacy champions
Across 350 years of history, it’s the people who’ve built Lesjöfors – generation after generation. Some family names remain with us to this day, and many colleagues have dedicated over 25 years to their craft.
This reel is a small snapshot of just a few of our ‘legacy’ faces and is a tribute to their commitment, passion, and loyalty. Watch this space as we will be adding more.
At Lesjöfors, loyalty isn’t just part of our culture – it’s part of who we are.
Jonny Anderson
42 years, technical manager in Sweden
Bjorn Rasmussem
40 years as coiling operator in Denmark
Kenth Wiipa
27 years, managing IT as our CIO in Sweden
Julie Snell
33 years account management, UK
Peter Bodilly
30 years driving sales, UK
Roy Loh
32 years of management in Singapore
Yan Kai Xin
29 years, machine setter in Singapore
Andy Smith
31 years, champion coiler in the UK
Bertel Ridberg
28 years of management, Finland
Sanna Haavisto
29 years of financial management, Finland
Kaj Metsäranta
26 years, management in Finland
Stefan Svensson
36 years, designing & constructing in Sweden
Ulrik Karlsson
36 years, machine operations in Sweden
Chris Pegram
25 years, managing directorship in the UK
Paul Hynes
25 years, sales directorship in the UK
Nick Hodges
25 years, directing operations in the UK
Jennie Oder
30 years in Production, Sweden
Cicilia Axelsson
30 years in Production, Sweden
Christian Olsson
30 years in Technical management, Sweden
Christian Larsson
30 years of technical management, Sweden
Dave Chapman
38 years managing production, UK
Jan-Eric Nordh
30 years of plant management, Sweden
Jan-Erik Nordlund
31 years managing Technical Sales, Sweden
Mikael Wiberg
37 years, Planning/Orders, Sweden
Morgan Persson
38 years of Technical Sales expertise, Sweden
Steve Tregunna
39 years mastering machine setting, UK
A message from our Vice Presidents
“Our company’s success is rooted in our people and their commitment to deliver excellence across every aspect of the Lesjöfors Group – it is their dedication to quality that shapes the forces that drives the industries we supply.”
Christofer Hedvall
Vice President of Lesjöfors Europe
“With a 350 year legacy behind us, we’re entering our next chapter — one defined by sustainability, smarter digital systems, and the continued empowerment of our decentralized teams across the world.”
Mikael Andersson
Vice President of Lesjöfors Asia
Power in motion around the world
Lesjöfors' springs and pressings are the silent force behind countless innovations. They help drive solutions in automotive, energy, technology and healthcare. Wherever progress happens, you’ll find our expertise at work.
Powering progress everywhere
Today, Lesjöfors’ components are found everywhere, from cars to aircraft, wind turbines to smartphones, in agricultural machinery and medical devices – often unseen, but always essential and part of our every day lives.
Engineered to empower
Every component we create is designed to solve real-world challenges and help our customers achieve more. Our engineering know-how empowers industries to push boundaries and realise new possibilities.
Shaping forces, driving industries
From concept to completion, our products shape the essential forces that keep industries moving. Manufacturers around the world trust us. We deliver reliability and precision where it matters most.
Your power, our precision
Your ambitions inspire us. We focus on quality and strong partnerships. Our precision solutions help power your next breakthrough – today and in the future.
Unleashing your potential across the globe
With teams and sites in over 20 countries, we support customers around the world. We help turn ideas into reality, solve tough challenges, and drive progress in every industry we serve.
Ready for the next 350 years?
Join us as we continue to shape industries, solve challenges, and lead the way in sustainable spring and pressing manufacturing.
Latest news
Stay up to date with the latest updates from Lesjöfors as we celebrate 350 years of innovation and progress. Here, you’ll find news about our people, achievements, and the milestones that continue to shape our legacy. We’re proud to highlight our team’s dedication, our ongoing sustainability efforts, and our adaptability in a changing world.