Sjöbergs 1922 – A 100-year history!
In 1959, younger brother Bo-E went to the USA. He took with him a miniature BS 122 woodworking bench. The bench was presented to interested companies, who showed so much interest that a ‘proper’ woodworking bench was shipped to the USA. Along with other Swedish exhibitors, Sjöbergs presented its woodworking bench at a design exhibition in Sacramento. The bench was awarded a gold medal for good design! This was the beginning of the company’s export sales to the USA. Sales of woodworking benches increased during the 60s, and Bröderna Sjöbergs moved into larger premises.
For a few years, woodworking bench production approached 30,000 per year. In 1968, following lengthy negotiations, Sjöbergs received a major order for 1850 benches for schools in Ethiopia, in a project together with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
In the middle of the 1970s, Axel’s grandson Johan took over the company together with his youngest uncle, Bo-E Sjöberg. The product range was expanded with a number of new products such as gymnasium wall bars, playground equipment, outdoor furniture and stairs etc.
They invested in new factory space in the 1980s, and the product range was expanded with more new products such as various furniture components, timber billets, furniture and much more.
2000s
At the beginning of the new millennium, Sjöbergs had found several major customers in the USA, and they booked their first big USA order in the amount of SEK 12 million. The USA and Germany are now the two most important export markets for Sjöbergs.
For a number of years, Sjöbergs was owned by various investment companies, but in 2006 it once again became a family company run by CEO Jan Möllefors and Chairman of the Board Johan Sjöberg, both with links to founder Axel Sjöberg. A decision was taken to streamline the operation.
The new owners brought a greater focus on quality, durability, the environment and personnel. Investments in modern technology such as CNC machines, together with personnel training etc. have made Sjöbergs a more efficient company.
A brand-new product range was developed for textile handicrafts. The product range includes sewing machine tables, cutting tables, ironing boards and storage cupboards.
We launched our ‘handicrafts classroom’ concept, and we began delivering complete woodworking and textile handicraft classrooms.
We become Sjöbergs Workbenches AB
The export market has grown in recent years and our products now have a presence in more than 35 countries, and 55% of our production is exported.
In 2014 we changed our name to SJÖBERGS WORKBENCHES AB.
We developed additional successful products to satisfy the export market such as the Clamping Platform and smart portable benches for small handicrafts.
2018 – A new chapter in the Sjöbergs story
IDUN AB acquired 80% of the company. Greater attention is now paid to digitisation.
“The goal is to find new potential customers and inspire tomorrow’s carpentry and handicraft throughout the world.”
Today, Sjöbergs is the world leader in the woodworking bench market! All of our production is located in Stockaryd.
“Quality and durability are our watchwords. We are proud to offer a 10-year warranty on many of our products. Sjöbergs is ISO certified in terms of quality and the environment. Today, all of our products are made from FSC® labelled material.”
“Right now, we’re making plans for the next 100 years!”
Sjöbergs is the market leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of carpentry, benches, cabinets for wood and metal handicraft workshops, furniture for textile workshops and carpentry benches for pros and the DIY enthusiast. Our goal is to meet our customers’ demands for quality, durability, sustainability and service.
-All of our products are made in our factory in Stockaryd. In other words, Made in Sweden. Full control over our products.