Lundgrens Hyvleri was founded in 1973 by Rune Lundgren and has grown over the years into a significant producer of planed timber. Products include panels, battens and heartwood pine decking – all made from certified Norrland timber.
“Craftsmanship and quality have always been at the core of our business”, says Viktoria Knutsson Nilsson.
Viktoria was herself raised in a family with deep roots in the timber industry, and has an impressive background as a CEO and Sales Manager within the industry. When the opportunity to lead Lundgrens Hyvleri arose, it felt like a chance to return to her roots.
“I immediately saw that this was an opportunity to lead a company with strong traditions and a genuine commitment to timber as a material”.
New ownership – but the same values
The company was run by the Lundgren family for almost 50 years, but in February 2022 it became part of the Norwegian Hasås AS. The change has given Lundgrens Hyvleri new opportunities, while at the same time the ‘family feel’ of the business has been retained.
“Today we are part of a larger organization with all the advantages that comes with it, but we are still the company we have always been. The most important thing is to maintain our DNA while we develop and grow”, says Viktoria.
One of the company’s greatest strengths is its long-standing collaborations with suppliers. Its collaboration with Norra Timber, which supplies certified raw timber from family forestries in northern Sweden, stretches back a long way.
“Having a strong relationship with our suppliers is crucial – especially now when we are facing a challenging period in the timber industry,” says Viktoria.
After many years of collaboration, Lundgrens Hyvleri and Norra Timber have developed a close dialogue regarding the choice of raw materials.
“We work together to find the optimal raw materials for our products. It is fundamental to ensuring quality”.
Northern timber – a unique raw material
Northern Sweden’s forests produce timber of the highest quality, with dense annual rings that provide strength and durability.
“Timber from Norrland is something very special indeed. The long winters mean that the wood grows slowly, which results in timber with high density and fantastic strength. It is a source of pride to be able to offer wood that has grown here in our own forests”.
Lundgrens Hyvleri works actively with sustainability and is certified according to FSC and PEFC – which are both guarantees of responsible forestry. The company promotes sustainable forest production and environmental consideration.
Building with wood is also a climate-smart choice, something that both Lundgrens Hyvleri and Norra Timber promote.
“We take responsibility for our forests and want future generations to be able to use the fantastic raw materials grown there. Building with wood is not only aesthetically beautiful, it is also one of the most climate-smart solutions there is. We want to sustainably use what the forest gives us, with a clear conscience, so that future generations can also benefit from the forest and its raw materials”.
Interest in timber house construction is growing rapidly, and Viktoria sees an exciting trend developing.
“We see an increased demand for sustainable building materials, and timber has an obvious role in that transition. There is a lot of research going on into timber construction, and we are delighted to be part of that movement”.
Challenges and opportunities
The near future may look daunting for the timber industry, with rising raw material prices and a ‘wait-and-see’ market. But Viktoria remains optimistic about the future in the longer term.
“Interest in sustainable timber construction is increasing, and the need for quality products remains strong. We have a stable foundation to build on and will continue to develop the company with tradition and innovation in focus”.
The goal is clear: Lundgrens Hyvleri will be a leading force in planed timber, with products of the highest quality and a company recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability.
“We will continue to deliver timber products that both we and our customers can be proud of”.