EWES AB 2025 - "The manufacturing industry is the future"

The spring as an invention is an old product, with great variations in form and functionality depending on what effect one wish to achieve. Throughout history, it can be seen in everything from the spring function of the bow to jewelry from the Viking Age. Even in our modern society, springs are all around us in many products in our everyday lives, even if we don't always notice them. At EWES AB in Bredaryd, however, springs are always in focus.

"The knowledge is embedded in the very walls"

Anton Svensson is the CEO of the family business, and the third generation to lead the business, together with his cousin Anders Cederquist. He describes an organization characterized by innovation and knowledge, with a strong sense of professional pride and curiosity.

– For us, innovation and springs go together very naturally, as our product has historically been a crucial component in developing new inventions. We are often approached by innovative people with exciting ideas, and for us it is important to have an open mind and an interest in developing – which my colleagues here truly have. We are driven by an innovative force, which is needed to be able to come up with a specific solution.

In addition to curiosity, the company also possesses experience – which permeates both manufacturing and production.

– What we bring to our customers in terms of innovation is above all 90 years of experience, which is literally embedded in the walls. Being able to produce springs is a craft, it is not just about programming. The last part must also be included - genuine professional expertise, which we have refined and fully mastered after all our years in the industry.

Customized is the only way

Anton describes an everyday worklife with close collaboration and dialogue with customers and business partners. He belives that the earlier in the process EWES AB can contribute its knowledge, the greater the opportunity to be involved in designing the best solution for the project.

– We almost exclusively make customized solutions with our springs. It is very difficult to take a standardized spring and get the functionality that you want in your application. Sometimes the spring should be limited to a specific space in a product and sometimes it should be designed and look appealing. We try to have a close dialogue with our customers at an early stage, so that they get the best function possible. With the spring, it is all about functionality – should it lock, dampen or store energy?

Sustainable and long-term

Being a family business, the company has always had a long term and sustainable perspective on its operation. Spring steel, which forms the basis of EWES AB's products, is energy-intensive to produce but at the same time a sustainable material – both in function and environmental impact. According to Anton, there is currently intensive development in both material selection and production methods, where the company focuses on reducing transport distances, simplifying product design and using more environmentally friendly alternatives. By thinking circularly and collaborating closely with suppliers, EWES AB strives to reduce its climate footprint at all levels.

– Spring steel is a material that can be reused, and if it ends up in nature returns to its elemental form over time. We also try to think smart in the design – for example by avoiding unnecessary bends to save material and reduce costs, says Anton Svensson.

For Anton Svensson, the challenges of the future also mean great opportunities. With a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, he sees the importance of protecting existing staff while at the same time ensuring the supply of skills in the industry going forward. To attract future employees, he emphasizes the need to highlight the possibilities of the modern technology industry – and to give a more nuanced image of the manufacturing industry.

– The biggest challenge is to continue to develop and engage our staff. We must show that the industry is not a stomped-on floor but a workplace of the future, where people work with AI, robot development and modern solutions.

“Been a part since the beginning”

At EWES AB, they have been keen to absorb new impressions from the outside world. Since the company was founded in the 1930s, they have continuously participated in trade fairs and exhibitions, and are one of the companies that have been present as an exhibitor since 1975.

– We have been a part since the beginning of Elmia Subcontractor 50 years ago, and I personally have a long relationship with the fair. Elmia’s subcontractor fair has always been a cornerstone of marketing in the company. It was important to my grandfather, and to my father – and it is important to me.

Anton continues:

– The fair is a fantastic opportunity to meet our customers in the local area, as well as our suppliers and partners. It is a meeting hub and conversations comes natural. We actually have more than one example of really good business that has come from our participation there. Our marketing manager has often been reminded of how she managed to attract a buyer to an important customer just before the fair was to close on the last day - and we are still supplying to them.