PROFIT AFTER FINANCIAL ITEMS:
million
855
GROUP EQUITY THE GROUP’S TURNOVER million
115 million
1,395
90 years HAVE PASSED SINCE BE-GE WAS FOUNDED
17 Companies ARE IN THE GROUP
OF WHICH 167 ARE EMPLOYED OUTSIDE SWEDEN
6 OF SALES TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE SWEDEN 29%
THE GROUP’S EQUITY/ ASSETS RATIO: COUNTRIES ARE HOME TO BE-GE OPERATIONS
8.3%
OUR PROFIT MARGIN FOR 2024 568 Group employees
82.4%
DURING THE YEAR THE GROUP HAS INVESTED
50 million
The Be-Ge Group is an international group of companies, 29% of whose direct sales are to countries outside Sweden. It operates on the basis of 17 separate legal entities in six European countries. The majority of its operations are located in Sweden.
The business is organised into three divisions:
- Be-Ge Seating Division
- Be-Ge Component Division
- Be-Ge Vehicle Division.
BE-GE SEATING A/S
BE-GE SEATING UK LTD
BE-GE SEATING B.V.
BE-GE FÖRETAGEN AB parent company of the Group, Oskarshamn.
BE-GE SEATING AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE PERSONBILAR AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE LASTBILAR AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE FORDONSFINANS AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE FASTIGHETER AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE LACKERING AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE PLÅTINDUSTRI AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE FRAPETT AB Mönsterås
BE-GE STECE AB Mönsterås
BE-GE FRYSEN AB Visby
BE-GE OFFICE AB Oskarshamn
BE-GE BALTIC UAB Klaipeda Germany
BE-GE SEATING
GMBH
Jülich
The Be-Ge Group, which celebrated its 90th year in 2024, continues to perform strongly in a turbulent world environment. The year was marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine, Europe’s declining ability to compete with the USA, geopolitical turmoil with conflicts in the Middle East, and a US presidential election which will, in all probability, alter the dynamics of global trade. Given the uncertainties outlined above, the Group’s performance in 2024 is most pleasing, achieving its second-best ever result.
In 2024, inflation was down, and the European Central Bank (ECB) and the US Federal Reserve started to reduce their key interest rates. As inflation at the end of the year had not quite reached the target level of 2%, forecasts for future reductions in both Europe and Sweden have to some extent been put on the back burner.
Economic activity and demand in the USA remained strong during 2024, while the situation in Europe was more disappointing. The economic downturn that was a feature of 2024 could be mitigated by further cuts in the interest rate, but this would be offset by continued inflationary pressures. This, together with concerns about the US-imposed tariffs, means that there is continuing uncertainty about the impact on global and European demand and trade.
The weaker economic climate of 2024 had a negative impact on those of the Group’s operations that focus on the automotive segment. Nevertheless, Be-Ge Seating Division, which manufactures driver and passenger seats, as well as office and surveillance chairs, posted a record year in both sales and profits. Customers in the construction machinery, forestry machinery and truck segments performed less well than in 2023. On the other hand, sales of driver seats to customers in the truck, bus and rail segments increased, which, together with an upward trend in passenger seat sales, helped the Division deliver its good result.
Deliveries of driver seats to some major train projects in Europe allowed the Division’s Netherlands operation to achieve its best ever performance. Thanks to the fact that deliveries of passenger seats to, among others, ambulance manufacturers, not least in the UK, picked up in 2024, the Denmark and UK operations also posted very good results for the year.
Be-Ge Vehicle Division, which markets and sells trucks and cars, had a more disappointing year. Sales of cars decreased
compared to previous years, as was the case for the country as a whole. High interest rates and general concerns about where the economy is heading meant that retail customers in particular remained cautious. There were also fewer orders for new trucks, due to the bleaker economic outlook and higher interest rates. To some extent, deliveries of new trucks were also negatively impacted in 2024 by long delivery times, mainly from companies that manufacture new chassis.
2024 saw a 20% decrease in demand from customers of the Group’s Be-Ge Component Division companies. These manufacture sheet metal components, stamped parts and tools, as well as performing industrial sewing and offering painting services. The reduced order book is down to customers in the automotive segment, where the slowdown in development of vehicles with fossil-free powertrains also had a negative impact.
To counter the decline in demand, staffing levels have been adjusted, mainly in the Component Division. In addition, projects focusing on cost savings are ongoing in all our operations. These efforts, combined with the excellent performance of the Seating Division, made 2024 a very successful year for the Be-Ge Group. Turnover totalled SEK 1,395 million, with a profit of SEK 115 million. This would not have been possible without the hard work put in each and every day by our talented employees for the benefit of the Be-Ge Group.
In mid-December 2024, we received the sad news that one of the owners of the Be-Ge Group, Per-Erik Persson, had passed away at the age of 93. Per-Erik was the son of Be-Ge founder, Bror-Göthe Persson. Per-Erik was a strong individual who played a major role in the Group’s development during his active career.
In 2024, we continued to develop business both within and outside the automotive segment. Be-Ge Component Division acquired new business linked to the green transition, but the point at which volumes will increase is now further down the line.
During the year, Be-Ge Seating Division took several measures to increase its presence in both new and existing geographical markets. A new driver seat distributor for the North American market was added to the Division, and further expansion of sales resources in Europe is planned.
Our operations generated good cash flow, and the Group’s cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year totalled SEK 255 million, up by SEK 78 million on the previous year. Capital tied up in inventories, not least in new truck chassis, remains at high levels, but a reduction in trade receivables in particular means that working capital decreased compared with the previous year. Most of the profit for the year has therefore further enhanced the Group’s cash position, after investments of SEK 50 million were paid. As in previous years, the Group has no external loans.
With a strong cash position and confidence in the future, the Be-Ge Group continues to invest in its operations. For 2025, we are looking at investments of around SEK 55 million, including investments that have previously been decided on but are not yet finalised. Be-Ge Component Division continues to invest with an eye to increasing its production efficiency. During 2024, the decision was taken to invest in both hydraulic and eccentric presses. The Seating Division made cost-saving investments during the year – with a very short payoff time. At the end of 2024, Be-Ge Vehicle Division completed an investment of two workshop bays in the truck facility in Hultsfred.
Potential investment in a new truck facility is currently under evaluation. Within a few years, the increase in volumes for both driver and passenger seats will require investments in additional production space. If it is to remain competitive in all Divisions, the Group therefore expects to invest significant amounts over the next three years.
The Group’s various operations continue to focus on their sustainability work. This is to meet the expectations and requirements regarding sustainability expressed primarily by the Group’s customers in the various segments. In addition, the regulatory authorities are devoting greater attention to these matters. In order to meet these increased demands, resources have been allocated at Group level to engage with sustainability issues.
As of 2025, the Be-Ge Group is subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), requiring it to produce sustainability reports. During the year, the three Divisions worked on identifying material areas as set out in the CSRD’s double materiality assessment. At the end of February, the European Commission published its Omnibus package proposal. The proposal postpones the entry into force of the CSRD by two years and reduces the number of companies which will be subject to it. If the proposal is implemented, the Be-Ge Group will not be subject to the CSRD rules. However, efforts to reduce the Group’s carbon footprint will continue, and the outcomes of these efforts will be reported in some form.
The deteriorating economic climate which typified most of 2024 is expected to continue throughout the start of 2025. Developments over the rest of the year are unpredictable and will be influenced largely by events in the geopolitical sphere and whether projected interest rate cuts will lead to an increase in demand. The cost situation may also be impacted by the wage negotiating round due to take place in 2025 and which will affect much of the labour market.
Nevertheless, the cuts made to interest rates, alongside lower inflation, are expected to have a positive impact on the Group’s automotive segment customers in 2025. As a result, both Be-Ge Vehicle Division and Be-Ge Component Division anticipate increased demand and capacity utilisation, at least in the second half of 2025. Be-Ge Seating Division is also seeing lower demand in the first part of 2025 from customers in the construction and forestry industries. However, the Division has many interesting projects on its books for both trains and buses, and passenger seat sales are also continuing to move in a positive direction. In addition, new business opportunities are opening up in the North American market, given the contacts established with distributors there.
Despite the fact that the Group’s operations are expected to have lower capacity utilisation at the beginning of the year, we remain positive about their subsequent development. This, combined with the Group’s skilled workforce and strong financial position, means that we will continue to invest in our three Divisions to further strengthen our position in the market.
Håkan Hjalmarsson CEO and Group CEO
Bror Göthe Persson started his business in 1934. The principles that Bror Göthe so successfully applied when the business was built up under his leadership are the basis of the corporate culture and the “Be-Ge spirit” that typifies the Group.
A professional approach, characterised by commitment, knowledge and high availability, offers solutions adapted to each customer’s needs.
Deliveries are of high quality, with each employee taking responsibility for their part of the delivery.
Be-Ge’s business relationships are characterised by simplicity, honesty and close cooperation with the customer.
With its long history and stable ownership structure, Be-Ge stands for reassurance, tradition and reliability. This long-term approach makes our employees proud to be part of the Be-Ge family.
The hallmark of Be-Ge is a strong entrepreneurial bent that leads to growth in our current activities, a curiosity for innovation and an interest in developing new areas of activity.
We develop our employees and our customer relationships on the basis of openness and demonstrating care and respect for the individual.
We always look at the big picture, and our guiding principle is to always try to resolve any issues that may arise, both internally within the Group and externally with other stakeholders. “Cooperation brings success” sums up our entire organisation.
We ensure we take responsibility for sustainable development in terms of the environment, society and our employees.
Be-Ge stands for quality at all levels, where every employee feels it is their responsibility to do the right thing.
The business focuses on growth and profitability, fully aware of the risk and cost involved, thus creating the conditions for continued development of the Group.
* The 2022 figures have been translated as 12-month values and comprise the period 01/01/2022–31/12/2022.
Håkan Hjalmarsson
Group CEO:
Be-Ge Företagen AB
Managing Director: Be-Ge
Fastigheter AB Born: 1962
Appointed: 2017
Paul van der Westen
Managing Director:
Be-Ge Seating B.V./GmbH Born: 1974
Appointed: 2020
Vaida Vaičaitienė
Managing Director: Be-Ge Baltic UAB Born: 1974 Appointed: 2007
Thomas Axelsson
Managing Director: Be-Ge Seating AB Born: 1970 Appointed: 2019
Henric Arvidsson
Managing Director: Be-Ge Frapett AB Born: 1980 Appointed: 2022
Gary Shaw
Managing Director: Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd Born: 1968 Appointed: 2006
Tomas Engsund
Managing Director: Be-Ge Lastbilar AB Born: 1965
Appointed: 2013
Erik Lodahl Andersen
Managing Director: Be-Ge Seating A/S Born: 1968
Appointed: 2019
Robert Nyqvist
Managing Director: Be-Ge Stece AB
Managing Director: Be-Ge Lackering AB Born: 1967 Appointed: 2007
Peter Ek
Managing Director:
Be-Ge Personbilar AB
Born: 1965
Appointed: 2016
Birger Andersson
Managing Director: Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB Born: 1965 Appointed: 2004
Håkan Hjalmarsson
Member
Born: 1962
Lives in Oskarshamn
Board member since 2017–2018
Ingemar Persson
Member
Born: 1953
Lives in Malmö Board member since 2007–2008
Appointments within the Group:
CEO and board member
• Be-Ge Företagen AB
• Be-Ge Fastigheter AB
Chair of the Board
• Be-Ge Seating AB, Be-Ge Seating A/S,
• Be-Ge Seating B.V., Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd,
• Be-Ge Frapett AB, Be-Ge Stece AB,
• Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB, Be-Ge Lackering AB,
• Be-Ge Personbilar AB, Be-Ge Lastbilar AB,
• Be-Ge Frysen AB and Be-Ge Fordonsfinans AB
Appointments within the Group:
Chair of the Board
• Be-Ge Fastigheter AB
Board member
• All Be-Ge companies
Peter Cerny
Member
Born: 1966
Lives in Ängelholm
Board member since 2020–2021
Other appointments:
• Managing Director / Group CEO
ESBE AB
Board member
• Proton Industries AB
• Proton Group AB
• Business Sweden
Ulrica Larsson Member
Born: 1968
Lives in Hörby Board member since 2021–22
Johan Persson Member
Born: 1966
Lives in Oskarshamn Board member since 2007–2008
Appointments within the Group:
Chair of the Board
• Be-Ge Office AB
Board member
• All Be-Ge companies
Other appointments:
• Svabo Kaross & Hydraulservice AB
Board member
• Stall MagnaRed AB,
• Eva Thuresson Mat & Dryck AB
• Järrestads Härads Lantmannaförening
Rickard Petri
Chair
Born: 1953
Lives in Växjö
Board member since 2012–2013
Chair of the Board since 2020–2021
Per Thorsell Member
Born: 1967
Lives in Kalmar
Board member since 2023
Other appointments:
• Managing Director / Group CEO Bergkvara Group AB
Chair of the Board
• All subsidiaries of Bergkvara Group AB
Other appointments:
Chair of the Board
• M2 Marina AB
Board member
• Atrinova Affärsutveckling AB
• Oskarshamns Golf AB
• Värde Ansvar Gemenskap Handlarna i Sverige AB
Other appointments:
Board member
• Hjalmar Petri Holding AB
Be-Ge Seating Division develops, manufactures and markets suspended and fixed driver seats, passenger seats, surveillance and office chairs, support and saddle chairs, as well as sound absorbers and accessories for our seating products.
To be the European niche market leader in high-end chairs and seats in selected focus segments. Production volumes to exceed 150,000 chairs and seats annually within 5 years (2029).
Develop, manufacture and sell seat solutions that comply with the required standards and norms for the industries we focus on Be-Ge’s core values are customer benefit, a long-term perspective, cooperation and taking responsibility. Our products should represent creative and flexible solutions, reliability and safety, sound ergonomics, comfort and quality, and attractive design.
Be-Ge Seating AB develops, manufactures and markets suspended and fixed driver seats, passenger seats and accessories for these. Be-Ge Seating AB has a turnover of SEK 348 million outside the Division and has 118 employees.
Be-Ge Seating A/S develops, manufactures and markets passenger seats, accessories and equipment for minibuses, vans and specialised vehicles. The company develops approved M1-certified seats and high-quality specialised products for passenger transport vehicles, for people with or without disabilities, as well as ambulances, police and military vehicles. Be-Ge Seating A/S has a turnover of SEK 109 million outside the Division and has 39 employees.
Be-Ge Seating B.V. in the Netherlands, together with its subsidiary Be-Ge Seating GmbH in Germany, sells and represents all seating products and brands of Be-Ge Seating Division. In addition to the Netherlands and Germany, the
companies are active in the French and Belgian markets. BeGe Seating B.V. has a turnover of SEK 88 million outside the Division and has 30 employees.
Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd markets and distributes the full range of driver seats, passenger seats and office chairs to the UK market. Its customers are mainly in the automotive industry. Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd has a turnover of SEK 32 million outside the Division and has 6 employees.
Be-Ge Frapett AB develops, manufactures and markets office and surveillance chairs, support and saddle chairs, and sound absorbers. The product portfolio includes the brands Sverigestolen and Ullmanstolen, as well as BE-GE and Frapett, which are sold under the BE-GE brand. BeGe Frapett has a turnover of SEK 33 million and has 17 employees.
In 2024, turnover and profit achieved by Be-Ge Seating Division were as expected. Profitability was maintained, while turnover progressed well. The few cost increases that occurred were either passed on to the end customer or covered by efficiencies achieved in the Division’s own operations or in the supply chain. The Division continued to deliver in line with an overall strategy that has proved effective in achieving its objectives.
In the driver seats segment, the year began with healthy growth compared to the previous year, but this gradually tailed off as the summer approached. Overall, turnover was higher than in the previous year. Outcomes were a true reflection of changes in the economic climate. Customers’ own long delivery times also became the norm, as their production rates, although reduced, were maintained at a higher level than the corresponding sales rates. As customers achieved shorter delivery times, production rates were gradually reduced further in several cases. Several new customised seating projects for existing and new customers compensated for the decline in demand in individual market segments. Individual
market segments, such as construction and forestry, saw declining sales volumes, while others, such as rail and materials handling, continued to post high volumes and growth.
Component costs remained stable, but at a high level, despite an anticipated drop in price due to falling raw material costs. Labour costs and changes in exchange rates have a corresponding upward impact on component costs. Efforts are ongoing to reduce the cost of components and assembly in order to ensure competitiveness and long-term profitability.
Sustainability-related activities continued to be a priority for both customers and the company. At the beginning of the year, the company partnered with EcoVadis, a system for evaluating companies from a sustainability perspective. The quality, environment and health and safety management system was successfully revised.
In Oskarshamn, the organisation spent a considerable amount of time preparing to deploy a new ERP system in early 2025.
Be-Ge Seating BV in Zaltbommel worked on its workshop and service processes, resulting in higher capacity and sales. To underline the importance of meeting customer requirements, BeGe Seating BV’s management system was successful in gaining certification under the railway applications welding standard EN 15085, in addition to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification already obtained.
During 2024, sales of the Division’s passenger seats continued to grow, driven primarily by Be-Ge Seating A/S and Be-Ge Seating UK, resulting in yet another record year. This is evidence of the continued demand for fully tested, customised and high-quality seating solutions tailored to specific operational needs. Supply capacity was maintained despite the sharp increase in volumes. There were changes in the sales strategy, and the sales team was trained in key account management with the aim of ensuring stable growth in the coming years. The key words have been customerorientation, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the customers’ needs.
The manufacturing company Be-Ge Seating A/S is constantly engaged in cost-reducing activities both within its own operations and in the supply chain, and production capacity was gradually increased during the year. 2024 also saw high utilisation of the test facilities in order to prepare seats ready for installation in several
new vehicle models. Several areas were identified as priorities for improvement, including ISO 14001 certification of Be-Ge Seating A/S in early 2025.
2024 was challenging in many ways in the office furniture and office chairs market, with a general slowdown in demand due to the uncertain economic situation and higher costs. Many companies have been cautious with their investments, and this had a negative impact on sales in the Division’s office chairs segment. The first quarter saw a drop in demand, but in the second half of the year the order book improved and Be-Ge Frapett AB achieved a degree of stability in its deliveries. There is evidence of continuing decline in demand for traditional office chairs: it was a more difficult year for customers/retailers in online sales. Increased activity in the Norwegian, German and French markets generated some growth in volumes during the year, with significant value anticipated in the future. The segment’s customers associate Swedish-made products with quality and sustainability, which is a success factor.
The Division’s market position and product structure are well placed to achieve the set targets in terms of both growth and profitability. To improve profitability further, the work on cost-efficiency measures must be maintained, as must cost compensation from the Division’s customers.
The Division’s targets for growth and profitability are clear and cover all business areas: office chairs, passenger seats and driver seats.
The targets will be achieved by working on two focus areas:
• Raise awareness of Be-Ge and communicate what sets us apart from others.
• Position Be-Ge where our customers expect us to be, within the agreed business segments.
The joint work devoted to the Division’s sales efforts will be refined further, with the aim of creating conditions where we can maintain the growth rate achieved. The work will include improvements to work processes as well as initiatives aimed at employee development. In addition, capacity in both marketing and sales will be expanded.
The anticipated outlook for the Division’s customer segments differs slightly from segment to segment. Passenger seats, office chairs and some aspects relating to driver seats, such as rail, bus and materials handling, start the coming year at a high level, which is also expected to continue. Other important areas of the driver seat segment such as forestry, mining, construction and trucks, are expected to start the year at a low level, with volumes gradually increasing as the economy recovers.
For some time now, the Division has been investing heavily in sustainability-related improvements. Further efforts will be made to improve the Division’s position with regard to sustainability issues. A
substantial part of this work will be to communicate the requirements of the companies’ stakeholders to the supply chain and to improve the due diligence processes.
The companies’ production facilities are well placed to meet our growth targets for up to three years. This provides a good basis for increasing our profitability and volumes. Over the next three to five years, there will be a need for investments in production facilities, offices, production plant and personnel. Investment documentation for offices and expanded production facilities will be compiled in the coming year.
A number of development projects will bear fruit in the shape of product launches during the course of this year. Series deliveries of the new electrically powered driver seat, kick-off of which was planned for 2024, will instead begin in 2025. In addition, work on rationalising costs is ongoing within the various product portfolios.
Investments are planned for energy rationalisation and replacement of old energy sources, workplace design, business systems and rationalisation of component production, as well as production plant for new products.
Europe remains Be-Ge Seating Division’s home market, although our ambition is also to grow with established customers in other markets.
Be-Ge Component Division is the Group’s contract manufacturing unit, comprising companies in Sweden and Lithuania.
The Division’s businesses must be profitable, grow and develop. They must have satisfied customers, employees and owners. The Division’s hallmark should be respect for the individual, and it should conduct its activities in a safe and sustainable manner. The Division will endeavour to constantly improve, take new things on board, and learn from mistakes. By using the latest technology and working as a team, we will be competitive over the long term in a global market.
With good quality, service and innovative and cost-effective solutions, the Division aims to be a natural partner and supplier in tool development and manufacturing, sheet metal working, welding, surface treatment, painting, as well as sewing and assembly.
Be-Ge Stece AB delivers components for trucks, cars and machinery, as well as parts for consumer products in heating technology, home improvements, electrical/electronic goods and domestic appliances. The company develops and manufactures tools and fixtures, assisting the customer from prototype through to series delivery. The company has extensive materials technology know-how and sound expertise in design and tooling. Be-Ge Stece AB has a turnover of SEK 120 million outside the Division and has 66 employees.
Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB manufactures complex sheet metal components for the engineering industry using modern laser and punching machines. Further processing of the components is performed by edge bending or hydraulic and eccentric pressing. The production system also involves CNCcontrolled press brakes for efficient bending of sheet metal components. Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB has a turnover of SEK 118 million outside the Division and has 63 employees.
Be-Ge Baltic UAB is mainly engaged in industrial sewing, upholstery and assembly. The company specialises in industrial sewing and upholstery as well as partial and final assembly of components for customers that manufacture automotive, office, conference, and passenger seating, seating for public spaces, healthcare products, wheelchairs, and other textile items. Be-Ge Baltic UAB has a turnover of SEK 49 million outside the Division and has 92 employees.
Be-Ge Lackering AB’s business involves automotive refinishing and industrial coatings. The company has the capacity to paint anything from complete trucks, buses, boats and similar large items, down to smaller components in large production batches.
The automotive refinishing segment consists of repairing and refinishing damage to cars and vans, where the main customers are insurance companies and private individuals. Industrial coating work is carried out in a separate facility with the capacity to coat all types of industrial components, but mainly plastic parts for the automotive industry. Be-Ge Lackering AB has a turnover of SEK 21 million outside the Division and has 14 employees.
The decline in demand from customers in the transport sector and in energy and heating technology, which was observed at the beginning of 2024, continued throughout the financial year. Our businesses within the Division that work for those segments were therefore negatively impacted to a greater extent than was expected at the beginning of 2024. Some of the fall in volume was offset by new business, but the businesses also adapted to the lower demand.
Be-Ge Stece AB lost more than 25% of its turnover in 2024 compared to the previous year. One of the company’s products, which for many years was in great demand, saw a sharp decrease in volume, as the relevant item at the customer has been replaced with a new design and the existing product has thus reached the end of its life. In addition, demand for components from customers in the heating technology segment was also virtually non-existent. Given also that production and efficiency were negatively impacted by a couple of machine breakdowns, the overall result was both reduced turnover and a significantly worse result compared to the previous financial year. However, precision of delivery improved during the year, and renewed certificates for both IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 were obtained – confirmation that the business continues to deliver high quality.
The supply of machinery and equipment to the mining and construction sector is governed to a large extent by the economic climate. The decline in demand in these segments resulted in lower sales for Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB. Half of the decline was offset by an increase in sales to new customers, but the workforce has also been trimmed to match the lower volumes. Investment in the business has continued, despite the drop in demand. During
the year, the robot fleet was renewed through the replacement of two existing robot cells. This is in addition to investments in energy-saving measures, taking the form of a new energy-efficient compressor and the installation of LED lighting.
Be-Ge Baltic UAB continued to enjoy positive development during the first months of the year. Turnover grew by over 23% in the period from January to May, including a couple of months of record turnover. In the second half of the year, the economic downturn also affected Be-Ge Baltic’s order book, but sales for the full year will still be 10% above the previous year’s level, and the financial position is strong. In 2024, the company celebrated 10 years of employing the LEAN concept in its manufacturing, demonstrating its ambition to continuously improve its operations. The scale of the business has gradually increased, and to cope with the greater flow of materials, the company has invested in a canopy for outdoor storage.
In terms of turnover, Be-Ge Lackering AB enjoyed a financial year equivalent to that of 2023. However, there was a degree of change in the sales breakdown, with the car refinishing sector achieving a higher turnover and industrial coatings posting a slight decrease. The decline in the industrial coatings segment is linked to slightly lower demand from the department’s largest customer. 2024 also saw a great emphasis on maintaining and streamlining production processes and ensuring deliveries remained of high quality.
In the closing months of the financial year, order books stabilised. In a couple of segments, a cautious recovery in demand is also discernible. Therefore, barring unforeseen events, order books and demand will rise in 2025, although the first half of the year is expected to remain slightly weaker. The green transition in the automotive sector creates opportunities for new business. Allied to our efforts to broaden the customer base outside the automotive segment, this provides favourable conditions for securing new orders. Geopolitical developments, together with higher inflation and the consequent absence of interest rate cuts, may have a negative impact on economic growth and demand.
Be-Ge Stece AB has reorganised its sales operations, and this has already generated a greater influx of enquiries and new projects – a trend that is expected to continue in the coming
financial year. To increase efficiency and reduce the risk of production disruption in 2025, the decision has been taken to invest in more modern machinery in certain production areas.
In addition to marketing, the focus should be on those parts of the Division’s activities over which each company exerts its own influence. Planned investments in 2025 therefore aim to increase the level of automation and efficiency, both of which are critical if the Division’s companies are to be able to continue competing on cost in the future. Staff development and retention are also important to ensure the future supply of skills.
Be-Ge Vehicle Division markets and sells trucks and cars. The Division holds agencies for Scania trucks and buses, Volkswagen cars, Volkswagen commercial vehicles and Škoda, as well as providing servicing, repairs and other services within the relevant segments.
As sales agents for the Scania, Volkswagen and Škoda brands, the Division aims to be the market leader in the truck and car segments and gain a reputation as the most attractive employer in the industry.
The companies within the Division will market and sell attractive transport solutions, accessories and spare parts for their respective brands. A repair and service organisation that functions at a high level will also be provided.
Be-Ge Lastbilar AB is responsible for sales and servicing of Scania trucks and buses in the market area covering Oskarshamn, Mönsterås, Högsby, Hultsfred, Vetlanda, Sävsjö and Gotland. Operations are conducted from its own facilities in Oskarshamn, Vetlanda, Hultsfred and Visby. Be-Ge Lastbilar AB has a turnover of SEK 349 million outside the Division and has 69 employees.
Be-Ge Personbilar AB markets and sells commercial vehicles and cars. The company is an agent for Volkswagen and Škoda and offers servicing, repairs and other services in the respective segments. The company is responsible for sales and servicing in the market area covering Oskarshamn, Mönsterås, Högsby, Hultsfred, Vetlanda and
Sävsjö. Operations are conducted from its own facilities in Oskarshamn and Vetlanda. Be-Ge Personbilar AB has a turnover of SEK 201 million outside the Division and has 38 employees.
Be-Ge Frysen AB owns and manages a property in Visby, most of which is rented by Be-Ge Lastbilar AB. Be-Ge Frysen AB has a turnover of SEK 0.3 million outside the Division and has no employees.
Be-Ge Fordonsfinans AB offers truck and car customers financing solutions in connection with the purchase of vehicles.
Be-Ge Fordonsfinans AB has a turnover of SEK 0.8 million outside the Division and has no employees.
The influx of orders for new Scania trucks continued to disappoint during 2024. As in 2023, the main reasons for the dearth of new orders are a weaker economy and the interest rate situation. The subcontractors who complete ordered trucks once the chassis have been delivered were very busy in 2024, resulting in longer delivery times. This also contributed to the lower order volumes. During the financial year, uncertainty about the type of powertrains to be fitted to the trucks also contributed to there being fewer new orders. Despite the drop in demand, Be-Ge Lastbilar AB once again successfully defended its position as market leader in the market area.
Demand for servicing and repairs was lower than in 2023. During the year, therefore, work on refining new and existing services, such as service contracts and vehicle inspections, continued. These services increase availability and reduce fleet downtime for hauliers, thereby improving profitability. During the year, construction of two new workshop bays at the truck facility in Hultsfred was completed – an investment designed to meet increased demand for servicing in the area.
The demand for transport and logistics services from customers of the truck business held up fairly well during the year, but capacity utilisation in transport shipments decreased. The excellent relationship the company has built up assiduously with its customers over the years resulted in high customer satisfaction as well as relatively good sales, bearing in mind the current economic climate.
Marketing activities remain key to building relationships with the company’s customers. Several activities were organised during the year, such as test drives, study trips, haulier meetings, etc.
2024 was a challenging year for the car business run by Be-Ge Personbilar AB. The number of new car registrations in Sweden dropped to its lowest level in 10 years. The reasons for the low level of activity are, of course, a weak economy, continued high interest rates for most of the year, and a lack of appropriate policy instruments.
The absence of policy instruments has resulted in a decline in sales of electric cars on the retail market, with the number falling across Sweden by 16% compared to the previous year.
However, the company car and van market has not declined in the same way as the retail market, and it is the business side that continues to drive fleet electrification. The second-hand trade also remains an important part of Be-Ge Personbilar AB’s operations.
The services market segment also saw lower activity in 2024. In response to the downturn, work on developing complementary services continued during the year, with decisions taken on, among other things, an expanded tyre management business. In addition, investments were also made in the sheet metal workshop, which will increase capacity utilisation and profitability in that part of the business.
During the late autumn, increased interest in changing cars was noted at our facilities. Presumably, the main reason for this was the downward adjustment of interest rates via the cuts in the key interest rate. Despite a weak year for vehicles, where many car dealerships have had major problems with profitability, Be-Ge Personbilar AB is in the black – entirely satisfactory under the circumstances.
Be-Ge Vehicle Division
Demand in the Vehicle Division is sensitive to both high interest rates and high inflation. With both of these parameters retreating, the outlook for 2025 is looking better, although the beginning of the year will continue to be characterised by weaker demand.
The number of new car registrations is projected to increase marginally in 2025 compared to 2024, which saw 270,000 cars registered for the first time. Given the increased customer interest in changing cars observed during the autumn, it is estimated that more VW and Škoda models will be sold and delivered in 2025. New car sales also generate trade-ins, which is a positive indicator for secondhand sales. During the year, work will also continue on developing the workshop business, which is important for maintaining profitability in the car trade.
Orders for new Scania trucks are also expected to increase during the coming financial year. The investments made in expanding the truck facilities in Vetlanda and Hultsfred mean that the company is well equipped to meet increased demand for servicing. Over the course of 2025, a decision will
be taken on how to deal with the Oskarshamn facility, which is in great need of an upgrade to handle future requirements and opportunities.
Sustainability issues with a focus on reducing climate impact are becoming increasingly important for customers and partners. However, sales of electric trucks (BEVs) have not achieved the anticipated volumes, and for 2025 the market share for electric trucks is expected to be low. Alongside electric power, fossil-free powertrains are also becoming increasingly popular. This applies to biogas and other biofuels, and Scania can offer fossil-free fuel products in all segments.
In both the car and truck businesses, the new electric vehicles and greater digitalisation will require an increase in employee skills and expertise. Training of staff to cope with the increased requirements will therefore be implemented in 2025.
Be-Ge Företagen AB has received the award Sweden’s Best Managed Companies 2024, sponsored by Deloitte.
Best Managed Companies is a quality award given to private Swedish companies based on criteria that assess strategic direction, operational capacity, corporate culture and financial development. The programme was founded by Deloitte in Canada in 1993 and has since been established in over 20 countries worldwide. Sweden’s Best Managed Companies was launched in 2018 by Deloitte, and this year marks the sixth time the award is being presented. An independent jury has selected the 21 companies receiving the award this year.
“We are proud to present the award to these 21 companies and celebrate their success. All companies on this year’s list show exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to creating well-functioning processes and a positive culture,” says Therese Kjellberg, partner at Deloitte and responsible for Best Managed Companies in Sweden.
Group CEO and CEO of Be-Ge Företagen AB Håkan Hjalmarsson comments:
“We are proud and pleased to be recognised as one of Sweden’s Best Managed Companies. It is an acknowledgement of the Group’s and its employees’ successful approach to operating the business and the aspiration to constantly work on development and improvement. That the award from Deloitte is received in the year the Be-Ge Group turns 90 means that there is further cause to celebrate our success!”
“It is an acknowledgement of the Group’s and its employees’ successful approach to operating the business.”
Håkan Hjalmarsson
During the year, Be-Ge celebrated the Group’s 90th anniversary in various ways, through activities, campaigns and events, to considerable acclaim, both locally and online.
On 7 September, Be-Ge Seating AB, Be-Ge Frapett AB, Be-Ge Stece AB, Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB, Be-Ge Personbilar AB and Be-Ge Lastbilar AB held an open day to celebrate the 90th anniversary. It was a great day where visitors could drop in for a chat over coffee and hot dogs, and enjoy some forklift driving with European forklift champion Robert Johansson at the wheel. Guided tours and competitions were also on offer, and we had a lucky winner in Conny Nykvist who got to take home the new anniversary chair, Sverigestolen 820. It was particularly pleasing that it was Conny who won the competition, as he is a former employee who had worked for nearly 50 years at Be-Ge.
Together with players from IK Oskarshamn’s senior and under-18 teams, puck races and activities were held for the children. On the same day as the companies’ open day, the Be-Ge Veteran event took place, where different types of vintage vehicles
were on display. Östergötland’s Veteran Car Club attended with their vehicles, and it was a very successful day with various types of vintage vehicles. Our foreign companies have also marked the anniversary with celebrations and excursions involving their employees.
On 5 October, a big anniversary celebration was held in the B hall of the Oscarsgymnasiet secondary school. More than 500 people attended a three-course dinner. Employees were taken on a journey through time from 1934 to 2024, starting at the entrance with an opportunity to mingle and partake of canapés to the accompaniment of a jazz band. The Oskarshamn revue acted as extras to give a sense of the 1930s, and then continued further into the future. The evening included entertainment by local musicians, country singer Jill Johnson, as well as tributes and congratulations from various key people from Be-Ge, not to mention customers and partners from over the years. During the evening, employees who had worked at Be-Ge for 25 years and 50 years were also honoured. Dancing rounded off the evening.
Marion Nilsson has a background in corporate finance and environmental studies. She had just completed her university studies and was working in sales in Lisbon when she was headhunted for the job as Environmental and Quality Coordinator at Be-Ge Frapett AB, which manufactures office chairs, in Mönsterås.
“Although I had only been in Portugal for six months, it was easy to accept the offer and
start at Be-Ge. The job is in line with what I want to continue developing in.” For Marion, sustainability work is a passion, and her future dream is to see the sustainability department grow, and that she should be involved in developing it.
“In my professional role I receive a lot of support and trust from the management for what I am doing. I appreciate the fact that the role is flexible and has opportunities for development,” she says.
Viktor Persson currently works as Sales Manager at Be-Ge Personbilar AB.
“The best thing about my job is the contact with customers, to get to meet so many people and help them in their choice of car. New vehicle technologies mean that sales staff encounter completely different questions from customers in their contacts with them, which has heightened the need to provide good advice.”
“First we complete a needs analysis and
look at various parameters to ensure the customer’s choice is the correct one. It’s important to look at the TCO value – the total cost of car ownership. We also offer various financing options.”
Vehicle electrification has brought new challenges for the industry. Investments have been needed in new tools, new plant and in staff training.
“I feel both responsibility and pride in working within Be-Ge. The Group looks after its employees and takes responsibility for the locations where we have a presence,” he says.
Joakim Jidefur is the Production and Logistics Manager at Stece.
“When it comes to tool design and manufacture, we assist the customer all the way from prototype to production batch delivery,” says Joakim.
Investments are constantly being made in both plant machinery and skills development.
“We are continually developing our employees and have inhouse training for welders and on machining techniques. It is a
good way to build on your skills and get the employees to grow in their roles.
“Thanks to the high skill levels of our employees we have developed and produced robot solutions involving welding robots and picking robots for our production line,” continues Joakim.
“It was a new experience being a manager, but it has been an exciting journey. Our strengths are our great flexibility and the fact that we all stand by each other and take responsibility,” points out Joakim.
Annelies Taupin is Dutch but has worked and lived in France for 25 years, 12 of which she has spent at Be-Ge Seating B.V. She is Senior Account Manager and responsible for key accounts and complex projects.
Here she has a unique opportunity to benefit from different cultures and perspectives, which provides inspiration and helps create a stimulating work environment.
“It’s fantastic to be able to work out of France and still have contact with the company, customers and suppliers all around
Europe. I get the opportunity to use my language skills and expand my network,” she says. Annelies is involved in taking strategic decisions on sales and everything these entail: logistics, finance and administration.
“I always have the opportunity to suggest and run projects I believe in. The management is incredibly responsive. Daring to have confidence in one’s employees and encourage individual initiative in this way helps create commitment and motivation – that suits me,” concludes Annelies.
Algirdas Klovas is Production Manager at Be-Ge Baltic UAB in Klaipeda.
“We carry out industrial sewing, mainly for the automotive industry and marine segments, but also for furniture, wheelchairs, etc.” Algirdas appreciates the corporate culture of the Be-Ge Group.
“Be-Ge has modern corporate values and is constantly improving and developing the business.” He also emphasises the opportunities for development employees enjoy.
“An important part of our culture is to be able to develop in your professional role and grow as an individual.”
A central issue in being able to deliver products of uniformly high quality is to ensure the business is constantly improving.
“It’s important that all employees are involved. I spend a lot of time down on the shop floor, talking with employees and following the production process. My ambition is to continuously develop my team,” says Algirdas.
Thomas Olofsson is Sales Manager at Be-Ge Lastbilar AB and has been able to experience some very exciting technological developments since starting in 2006. At that time, there were more or less only diesel-powered trucks.
“I never thought I would get to sell an electric truck before my retirement, but we have now delivered our first electric vehicles,” he says. Sustainable transport solutions are becoming increasingly important. Scania
currently offers vehicles that can run on fossilfree fuels like RME/HVO (biodiesel), biogas and electric power (BEV).
“Electric power is developing at an ever quicker rate, and this means we need to build up our skills base, with the help of experts and our supplier Scania,” says Thomas.
Be-Ge Lastbilar AB has been selling Scania trucks since 1941 and is thus the world’s oldest private Scania agent – proof that it has been able to meet the increased demands entailed by the development of the industry.
The Be-Ge Group has a successful and interesting history, which we are extremely proud to present. Our timeline extends from 1934 into the present.
Bror Göthe Persson establishes the Be-Ge company. He was a true visionary and realised early on the significance of motoring. In that year he took over the import and sales of Ford cars in Oskarshamn.
Scania-Vabis acquires the coachwork factories. But the manufacture of truck cabs continues locally via the business operated by Scania Oskarshamn. Be-Ge retained the manufacture of the driver seats fitted inside the truck cabs and continued this business in the newly formed Be-Ge Stolindustri AB, now Be-Ge Seating AB.
Be-Ge Bil becomes sales agent for Scania-Vabis trucks. Today, the company is the world’s oldest private Scania agent.
Be-Ge Karosserifabrik AB is established.
1949
The first modern, suspended driver seats for commercial vehicles are developed.
1951
Be-Ge Bil becomes sales agent for Volkswagen.
Be-Ge expands and builds a new factory for the manufacture of truck cabs in the Netherlands.
Be-Ge Förarmiljö AB is established in Kolsva. It was designed to specialise in the sale of driver seats and equipment primarily for forestry machinery.
Be-Ge Traktor & Maskin i Åstorp AB starts up, becoming general agent for Zetor tractors and Agrostroj agricultural machinery. In the same year, Bilcenter i Oskarshamn AB was established for the sale of Seat and later also Škoda cars.
Be-Ge acquires the seat manufacturer Nyström Nordpatent AB in Umeå. Be-Ge Seating AB thus came into possession of a more extensive product range with bus and truck seats, as well as office seats. The same year saw the acquisition of Bil & Maskin AB in Vetlanda, which extended the sales region for the Group’s car and truck operations.
The Mönsterås companies Frapett Produktion AB and Mönsterås Pressdetaljer AB are acquired.
Frysen Invest AB is acquired, along with subsidiaries Visby Tunga Fordon AB and Visby Fordonfinans AB. This allows Be-Ge Lastbilar to extend its region to also include Gotland. To cover the future need in assembly capacity for seats in Oskarshamn, the property at Järneken 5 was acquired.
The company expands in Europe when Be-Ge Seating AB acquires 80% of Savas Seating B.V. in Zaltbommel, the Netherlands, along with subsidiaries Savas Qualitätsitze GmbH in Germany and Savas N.V. in Belgium.
Be-Ge Mönsterås Pressdetaljer AB’s industrial property is sold off via sale of the company. 2024
The Be-Ge Group celebrates its 90th anniversary.
All companies in Be-Ge Seating Division are given the joint name Be-Ge Seating followed by the relevant country abbreviation for the type of company in question. The aim was to highlight the core activity.
Savas Seating B.V. and subsidiaries become fully owned subsidiaries of Be-Ge Seating AB, receiving the name Be-Ge Savas Seating B.V.
Be-Ge Lastbilar’s new Scania and service facility in Hultsfred is inaugurated.
Part-owned Be-Ge Förarmiljö AB is sold off, the name being changed to Förarmiljö i Sverige AB.
Be-Ge Amersanas UAB and BeGe Stece AB become fully owned subsidiaries of Be-Ge Företagen AB.
The Danish companies Jany Scandinavia A/S and Vald. Nielsen & Søn A/S are acquired. The same year saw the acquisition of local company AB Oskarshamns Plåtindustri, now known as Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB.
The car plant in Oskarshamn is enlarged through significant refurbishment and extension work. Be-Ge Traktor & Maskin i Åstorp AB is sold off.
Be-Ge Fastigheter AB is formed.
Be-Ge Företagen AB increases its ownership share of Stece AB to 50%.
Be-Ge Företagen AB acquires 80% of Lithuanian company UAB Amersanas and a 33% stake in the engineering business Stece AB in Mönsterås. In the UK, Be-Ge Seating UK Ltd. is formed in Coventry.
2000
Be-Ge’s seat manufacturing relocates from Umeå to Oskarshamn.
Billackeringen E. Johansson AB in Oskarshamn is acquired for future expansion and investment in automotive and industrial painting within Be-Ge.
The companies Jany Scandinavia A/S and Vald. Nielsen A/S in Denmark are merged, and the office in Copenhagen is wound up.
