Hjalmarsfors Wagon Factory and JOAB

Dals Rostock, a place with a vibrant business community

A vibrant business community

Dals Rostock is a place shaped by nature. The health-giving spring, the fresh air and healing medicinal plants sowed the seeds for an entire community. What began as a health resort dating back to the 18th century has grown into a vibrant place full of life, inspiration and entrepreneurship. Both historically and still today, the community is home to many entrepreneurs, creative projects and a diverse mosaic of clubs and associations. Over the years, Dals Rostock has supported trades such as; an organ factory, a tannery, an auction house, a blacksmith, a shoemaker, taxi companies, a carpentry workshop, a staircase factory, restaurants, grocery stores, guesthouses, a herb farm, various forms of agriculture, forestry and charcoal production.

Hjalmarsfors Wagon Factory

The largest workshop-based industry in Dals Rostock was founded in 1893 by Hjalmar Söderqvist ‘Hjalmarsfors Wagon Factory’. In 1916, it was moved to its current location in the center of Dals Rostock, adjacent to the railway station. Initially, the company mainly produced agricultural equipment but quickly expanded. As industrialisation progressed the company transitioned from outdated horse-drawn vehicles to the production of trailers and other attachments.

The global market

In 1929, a partnership with Volvo was established, eventually accounting for 90% of Hjalmarsfors’ production. Besides Volvo, clients included SAAB, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the Swedish Road Administration. Orders even came via Volvo from countries as far away as China and Angola. The company reached markets in 26 different countries across almost every continent.

JOAB

In 1984 ownership changed and the company shifted focus to producing fire trucks and fire wagons. However, this proved difficult and in 1985 the company was forced to declare bankruptcy. In 1986 Hjalmarsfors was re-organised  by Jan Olsson, owner of JOAB in Gothenburg and former site manager Torsten Lindblom, creating a new company. Today JOAB manufactures containers, lift dumpers, and hook-lift systems. Hjalmarsfors Wagon Factory and JOAB have historically provided the most employment in Dals Rostock.

The voice of a craftsman

Sven began working at Hjalmarsfors Wagon Factory at the age of 14, just a few months before turning 15, on March 29, 1956.

“I remember it so well, we had a farm, my mum, dad, brother and I. I was outside, probably in the chicken coop, when mum came out and said that Anton Strid, the foreman at Hjalmarsfors at the time, had called and asked if I could come in. She came out at 11 a.m. and by 2 p.m. I was at Hjalmarsfors. And that’s when I started working.”