In 50 years, Systemair has grown from a small operation in Skinnskatteberg to become Europe's leading manufacturer of ventilation products – with innovation and entrepreneurship as its foundation. In a new book, "The Straight Way - The Story of Systemair" (Business History Publishing, 2024), we share the full story of that journey.
The fan and ventilation company Systemair started its manufacturing in 1974 in the ground floor of a residential building in the mining district town of Skinnskatteberg. 50 years later, the company is Europe's largest manufacturer of ventilation products with 6,500 employees worldwide and its own production facilities in 18 countries. The headquarters still remain in Skinnskatteberg.
This is the story of a seemingly simple technical innovation that, thanks to timing and founder Gerald Engström's entrepreneurship, has formed the basis for a company build-up that has amazed stock market analysts.
The book has been published in both Swedish and English.
About the authors
Anders Houltz is an associate professor of technology and science history and research director at the Centre for Business History. He has previously written books about Skeppshult bicycles and the history behind the battery factory in Oskarshamn.
Karin Jansson Myhr is a freelance journalist and former employee at the Centre for Business History. She has written several books about some of our largest Swedish industrial companies, including LKAB and Gränges.
