Gränsfors Bruk
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Gränsfors Bruk is a forge in the hamlet of Gränsfors near Bergsjö in the Swedish municipality of Nordanstig .
It was founded in 1902 and manufactures traditional, drop-forged axes that are sold worldwide. Specialized woodworking tools such as draw knives are also made.
The textile brand Woolpower belongs to the same group of companies.
Company history
The forge emerged from a scythe smithy already located on the spot . In 1907 10 people were employed at Gränsfors Bruk. The hardware dealer Olof Eriksson from Bergsjö took over Gränsfors Bruk in 1917 and became managing director. After 1917, ax production increased by leaps and bounds with the acquisition of a new forging press . This press is still in use at Gränsfors Bruk today. The export has started. In 1952, the anniversary year, the 40 employees produced almost 200,000 ax heads.
When Olof Eriksson died in 1956, his son Torgny Eriksson took over the company. Torgny was managing director and later also chairman of the board of Gränsfors Bruk until his death. He left seven children, including his son Lars Eriksson, who became the head of the small family business.
With the advent of chainsaws , the demand for axes decreased. After two changes of ownership in the 1980s, Gränsfors switched from a price to a quality strategy. The piecework was abolished, traditional Axes forged instead were restored. An ax museum was created in the company. As of 1995, axes were sold with a product guarantee of 20 years. The brand developed into a cult product for outdoor enthusiasts.
literature
- Wille Sundqvist: Swedish Carving School: Working with a knife and ax. Vincentz, Hanover 2004.
Web links
Coordinates: 62 ° 2 '26.8 " N , 17 ° 5' 10.6" E