As uncertainty continues to affect global supply chains, more industrial companies are choosing to bring production closer to home. For Simplex Motion, that journey began more than four years ago. Today, the Gothenburg-based company continues to invest in Swedish manufacturing, energy-efficient technology and resilient supply chains – all highly relevant topics under this year’s Elmia Subcontractor theme: Resilience powered by industry.
– We want as much as possible to be local. It’s about control, quality, sustainability and building a robust supply chain for the future, says Magnus Hildingsson, CEO of Simplex Motion.
Simplex Motion develops and manufactures compact servo motors, drone motors and motor controllers. As an innovative and agile growth company, it works closely with customers, focusing on high-performance solutions, responsive service and flexibility.
More than four years ago, the company made the strategic decision to gradually relocate production from China to Sweden. The move was primarily driven by sustainability goals – reducing transportation, creating local jobs and gaining better control over the supply chain.
– The main reasons were sustainability, through shorter and fewer transports, more local jobs and better working conditions, but also gaining greater control of our supply chain, says Magnus Hildingsson.
Shortly thereafter, all electronics manufacturing and the assembly of the company’s servo motors were moved to Sweden. When the pandemic and the subsequent component shortage hit, the decision proved to be the right one.
– When the component shortage occurred, we had already brought production home. That allowed us to work more closely with our suppliers and respond faster when conditions changed.
The company is now taking the next step by relocating production of its BLDC motors to Sweden as well. This investment is not only about strengthening its own operations, but also about meeting the growing demand for resilient supply chains across Swedish and European industry.
– We see resilience becoming increasingly important, particularly when it comes to industrial and national defence supply chains.
The company’s technology has its roots in the model aircraft and drone industry, where low weight, high performance and energy efficiency have long driven innovation.
Simplex Motion has successfully transferred that expertise into industrial applications. Through proprietary technology and a patented position-sensing system, its servo motors deliver high precision while being significantly smaller and lighter than traditional alternatives.
– Our motors are small, but surprisingly powerful. They can be integrated into compact applications where space is limited but performance requirements are high. They also generate less heat and are considerably more energy efficient than many conventional solutions.
At this year’s Elmia Subcontractor, the company will showcase its servo motors, motor controllers and complete drive units, combining motors with gearboxes and brakes to meet specific customer requirements.
Alongside its traditional industrial business, Simplex Motion is expanding rapidly within the drone sector. The company sees significant opportunities as more customers seek European-made components and greater control over their supply chains.
Today, Simplex Motion is one of the few companies in the Nordic region capable of offering a complete drivetrain solution, including both motors and electronic speed controllers, with the entire system optimized for maximum efficiency and extended flight time.
– By optimizing the motor and electronics together, we can achieve higher efficiency and longer flight times, which is a crucial factor in the drone industry.
At the same time, the company continues to grow within industrial automation. One of its most notable projects is its collaboration with Volvo Group, where Simplex Motion’s drive units are used in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal material handling in manufacturing facilities. Following several years of testing and evaluation, the technology is now being rolled out across Volvo’s operations.
– It is proof that our technology performs well in demanding industrial environments. Volvo evaluated several different solutions, and in the end, they chose ours.
2026 marks the company’s fourth year exhibiting at Elmia Subcontractor. For a growing company like Simplex Motion, the exhibition is about strengthening its brand, meeting existing customers and creating new business opportunities.
– Elmia Subcontractor is an excellent meeting place for us. We meet customers, suppliers and new contacts while continuing to build our brand.
At a time when industry is seeking greater control, increased energy efficiency and more secure supply chains, Simplex Motion sees significant opportunities ahead. Through Swedish manufacturing, innovative technology and a clear resilience strategy, the company aims to contribute to a stronger industrial future – both in Sweden and across Europe.