A unique thread of Swedish textile history
One hundred and twenty years before the textile company was deemed to be a barometer of the Swedish economy, our founder, Ludvig Svensson, was born. Having begun his career as a book-keeper, Ludvig was soon drawn by the powerful forces of industrialism into a world of weaving, textiles, and fabrics.
1887-1950
The year 1887 marked the start of production and by the beginning of the 1900s, Kinna boasted an impressive textile factory with steam-powered machines.
Sweden now had its first curtain manufacturer – and a production line with mechanical looms. Ludvig's son Ivan took over the business at the end of the 1920s, and, despite the depression and the war, the company survived into the 1950s and another generation change as brothers Ivan and Sten Ludvigson assumed management.
Ivan and Sten Ludvigson
1950-1960
The business experienced major upheavals during this period, as world trade once again opened up through the formation of EFTA. The 1950s and 1960s also saw the introduction of man-made fibres such as acrylic and polyester, which the company adopted early on and learned to utilize. The company also benefited from unforeseen production possibilities when it purchased its first warp-knit machine in 1957. The customer base grew rapidly; IKEA, Åhléns, KF, Stockmanns, Marks & Spencer – everyone wanted Svensson textiles.
1970-Today
In the 1970s the company developed its first contract collections. Hard times during the energy crisis made creative minds look into new business opportunities and a whole new business area was born - fabrics that could provide shade and save energy in greenhouses were launched in the late 1970s.
"If Ludvig Svensson in Kinna is doing well, it means Sweden is doing well." Said Olof Palme, Sweden's prime minister in 1982 on a visit to the company's factory in Kinna, Sweden.
Ludvig Svensson's legacy is now being managed by the fourth generation of this family-owned textile company, over 130 years since the foundations for today's business were laid by hand in a humble rented building.
Olof Palme visiting our factory
Who we are
We are the fourth generation of the Ludvig Svensson family – a Swedish company led by siblings Anne and Anders Ludvigson. The passion for textiles that defines our organisation is one that embraces both design and function.
Sustainability
At Svensson, we believe in taking responsibility for our environment and our community since we have lived and worked in the same place for more than 130 years.
Certificates
Today, maintaining a high-quality product is a prerequisite to remain in business. This comes naturally for Svensson as we have always produced only the best textiles.
Smart Textiles
Svensson today exports climate screens to over 130 countries. Here two of the architects behind its success, Göran Henningsson and Cees den Boer, recall how it all began in the 1970s with a load of scrap and a brilliant idea.
Awards
Svensson has received a number of awards and distinctions over the years. Here are some of the honours that we're most proud of.
Meet the Ludvigson's
In October 2017, Svensson, which has subsidiaries in the US, South Korea, Holland, and China, made the London Stock Exchange’s list of Europe’s 1,000 fastest-growing and most inspiring companies.
The Svensson teamwork
Svensson has all the skills it needs in-house, from research and development to design and production. We quizzed four employees about smart collaboration across departmental boundaries, and what that means in practice.
Birth of the climate screen
Svensson today exports climate screens to over 130 countries. Here two of the architects behind its success, Göran Henningsson and Cees den Boer, recall how it all began in the 1970s with a load of scrap and a brilliant idea.
Where it all began
To this day the Svensson textile factory weaves its magic in a red-brick castle in Kinna in the west of Sweden. This is where its manufacturing operations and headquarters have been based since the turn of the last century.