Steel and engineering
Iron ore has been a valuable natural asset for Värmland for many centuries, and we've developed into one of Europe's leading steel and engineering regions. The structures of our companies, which in some cases have been in business for more than 350 years, show that we have incredible depth of knowledge and an outstanding customer structure, product ranges and skills.
Our region is home to companies which manufacture high quality steel, smithies and foundries, brand owners in the field of paper and pulp equipment, heavy vehicles, ship propulsion, defence,
renewable energy, mechanical processing subcontractors, engineering consultants, specialist companies operating in the field of surface treatment, and many more besides.
There are companies throughout the entire refinement chain, and their sizes vary; from companies with just a few staff to corporations employing around 1 000 people. Many companies are part of major groups, and around 30% of companies are internationally owned. More than 20 companies in the region may be regarded as world-class companies.
The steel and engineering industry is the single biggest industry in the region, with around 14 000 people employed over more than 150 companies.
Stål & Verkstad skills centre
Stål & Verkstad is a non-profit association with more than 70 member companies. This organisation maintains full focus on the future. Among other things, it looks at entrepreneurship, business development, research and development and training in cooperation with companies and public players.
Stål & Verkstad knows the region's industry, its people and their needs. Sustainable growth is being promoted by creating efficient partnerships between the stakeholders of the steel and engineering industry, offering the right skills development and supporting innovative processes.
This results in:
- More jobs
- New company setups
- Business development in existing companies
- Skills development among staff at companies
- Industry-specific research
Its objective is enhanced competitiveness by means of regeneration work with foresight.
Since it begin, Stål & Verkstad has worked specifically in accordance with the triple helix model, where cooperation between trade and industry, academia and the public is of central importance.
The Centre for Materials and Design at Karlstad University is a good example of cooperation between various players. Here, companies both large and small are given the opportunity to work together with one another and with the university. Teknikcollege and Glava Energy Center are other long-term initiatives.
The activities of Stål & Verkstad are financed mainly by funding from the public sector. Karlstad University, Vinnova and the various EU foundations also finance it.
