No. 1 2025
BE-GE LASTBILAR TAKES THE NEXT STEP
DEPARTMENT GROWS TO MEET NEEDS
IMPORTANT PRESENCE IN MAJOR MARKET
STAFF MAGAZINE FOR THE BE-GE GROUP
Growing and building the
Be-Ge’s IT department in Oskarshamn is growing, in terms of both size and importance. With an increased need for IT support throughout the Group and a growing focus on skills for the future, the team is gearing up for new assignments.
The expansion of the IT department in Oskarshamn is more than a physical change. It reflects developments throughout the Be-Ge Group, where growth and skills supply are closely interlinked.
“It had become a little bit cramped,” says Reza Shahrbani, IT Manager. “Now we’ve doubled the area and improved the work environment. This is important both for our own well-being and to be able to welcome more students and new employees.”
As digitalisation in the Group increases, so do the demands on IT support. According to Reza Shahrbani, the need increases by about half a technician per year.
“Automation and new systems are driving the development. We’re directly affected by the growth of the company, there’s not a static level of demand,” he explains.
To respond to this, the IT department has not only expanded the premises. For some years now, a more strategic initiative has also been under way in the area of skills supply. One important component part of this work is the collaboration with the Axel
Weüdelskolan higher vocational college in Kalmar.
Since 2022, Be-Ge has been regularly welcoming LIA students from the Cloud and IT Infrastructure Specialist study programme. The Swedish abbreviation LIA stands for “Learning in the Workplace” and is a key element of the higher vocational college’s programme.
“LIA accounts for one quarter of the entire course, and the link to the workplace is extremely important. Be-Ge is an engaged actor and we maintain close contact to monitor the process,’ says Helen Petersson Ahlgren, higher vocational education coordinator, and programme director Lennart Nordström nods in agreement.
“The feature of higher vocational education is that the curriculum is shaped according to the needs of the companies. And we can see that it works. The employment rate for graduates is very high,” he adds.
Valuable investment
Be-Ge’s IT department welcomes two to three students each year. Everyone is assigned their own mentor and given the chance to experience the true reality of life at work.
“It’s the longest job interview in the world,” says Reza Shahrbani. “But we also see it as an investment. We have to produce and learn at the same time. LIA gives us valuable input and we get the opportunity to shape employees of the future.”
Helen Petersson Ahlgren and Lennart Nordström at Kalmarsund Upper Secondary School Federation appreciate the close collaboration with Be-Ge.
the skills of the future
The IT department is being given new space here to grow, next to the existing premises. IT Manager Reza Shahrbani is delighted about the expansion, together with Alexander Malmquist, Emil Elofsson, Marcus Hultqvist, Helen Petersson Ahlgren and Lennart Nordström.
“It had become a little bit cramped. Now we’ve doubled the space and improved the work environment.”
computer, was
following his LIA internship in the IT department a year ago, and is cited by IT Manager Reza Shahrbani as a successful example of recruitment from the higher vocational college.
Emil Elofsson knows what it’s like to go all the way from student to employee. One year ago, he joined the IT department after completing his LIA at Be-Ge.
“My colleagues took good care of me when I arrived, but it was a challenge as well. There’s a lot to learn here. Be-Ge is a unique environment, with all of its companies and different languages. You need a holistic mindset,” says Emil.
He emphasises that it’s not just about IT skills, but also about problem-solving, customer contact and responsibility.
“There are so many more aspects than you might think.”
Another person with similar experience is Alexander Malmquist. He was working at the Swedish Prison and Probation Service when he decided to switch to a career in the IT industry. He completed his LIA at Be-Ge and graduated in June.
“I’ve had the opportunity to try everything possible: technical support, system development and challenging myself. It’s been extremely educational. A change of direction was a big step, but it was the right decision,” says Alexander.
Mentoring in everyday life
Shaping the technologies of the future requires engagement, but it also produces results. Reza Shahrbani sees mentoring as an important element of everyday life.
“It’s about showing what kind of
company we are and what we expect. We work in a really structured way, and this should be reflected in the way we welcome students. It’s not always what you’ve learned at school that’s most important, but the willingness to develop.”
Technician Marcus Hultqvist agrees.
“The aim of LIA is to identify people who really want to learn. We’re not looking for ready-made technicians, we want to be able to shape them. And they shape us back. The IT department is in a constant state of change, that’s our everyday life.”
He knows what he’s talking about. When Marcus himself applied for a job at Be-Ge,
The concept of higher vocational colleges is part of an ongoing dialogue about the content of the curricula to ensure that the study programmes continue to be relevant to the business community.
he didn’t have all the required skills, but he was hired anyway – because of his attitude.
“It’s the right personality we’re looking for,” says Reza. “Skills can be developed. Everyone here is learning every day, even those of us who’ve been around for a long time.”
Advancing the programme
The in-depth collaboration with the college not only means that Be-Ge has the opportunity to recruit the right people. It also enhances the college’s opportunities to advance the study programme.
“When companies like Be-Ge are behind our application to the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education, it carries a lot of weight,” says Helen Petersson Ahlgren. “It shows that we’re actually helping to meet the needs of companies. That’s what drives us.”
It is clear that Be-Ge views LIA as a long-term commitment. Not only in how to organise mentoring and the work environment, but also in how students are to take part in real-life tasks.
“We want them to get a clear picture of what we do,” says Reza. “Our procedures are very much about understanding the problem to begin with, and then analysing, adjusting and measuring the outcome, a process that is repeated all the time. It’s about daring to test, daring to fail and daring to learn.” n
Emil Elofsson, at the
hired at Be-Ge
Presence generates business in Germany
Be-Ge Seating Division’s long-term investment in Germany puts the focus on one of Europe’s largest markets. With a small team in place and an expanding network, the goal is to strengthen relationships and win new customers.
Felix Biller is an engineer through and through, with a background in the automotive industry. For the last year or so, he has been working at Be-Ge Seating GmbH, the German sales company with offices near Cologne.
“It was Be-Ge’s connection to automotive that caught my interest, and when I found out that these were premium products for different industries, I became curious,” he says.
“Germany is an enormous market, but it’s not easy to get in to.”
and
Today, he is the link between customers in Germany and the development team in Sweden. His work involves building relationships, coordinating projects and supporting the after-sales market – often on the move, but digital meetings are an important alternative.
“There’s a lot of interest in our products, but we’re still relatively unknown in many segments. Some people in the forestry and rail industry, for example, are familiar with us, but we have a lot to work to do in the construction equipment sector.”
Managing the office
According to Felix, the challenge is not about the quality of the product, it’s about having the opportunity to show it.
“Many customers in Germany have strict demands, both technically and
are part of Be-Ge’s team in Germany, based in Jülich, just west of Cologne.
ergonomically. That suits us. The problem is that we don’t always get the chance. We need to build up trust first.”
In addition to Felix, the small team on site consists of Hella Lawniczak, who has extensive experience in the business. She was employed back in 2006 by Savas, the company that Be-Ge acquired in 2014.
“I’m responsible for administration, quotations, order processing and logistics. I also take care of a lot of customer support. It’s important to have a name and a familiar voice to call, that’s a big advantage for us,” she says.
Hella describes everyday life as varied –sometimes calm, sometimes challenging.
“But never boring. There’s a lot to keep track of, but that’s also what I like.”
The third member of the team is Ingo Klimmek, who is based from his home in northern Germany and works primarily with sales of passenger seats in close contact with the Danish team.
Extra dimension
Being physically present in Germany is important, emphasises Thomas Axelsson, Managing Director of Be-Ge Seating Division.
“Germany is an enormous market, but it’s not easy to get in to. Competition is tough and characterised by conservative traditions. Our main competitors are German companies, which are strong in many of our segments. We need to show that we are better – through good information and building long-term relationships."
For Felix, contact with Sweden and the trips to Oskarshamn have added an extra dimension to his work.
“I used to skip the presentation page about Be-Ge’s values. But having been to Oskarshamn and seen the commitment and the history there, I added it again. It’s actually something that sets us apart. There’s a passion in the company, and you can feel it.” n
Hella Lawniczak
Felix Biller
Ingo Klimmek
A very special place. The strawberries growing by the holiday home bring a lot of joy to Marie – and not least to her sweet-toothed grandchildren.
Marie has never wanted
After 44 years at Be-Ge Plåtindustri AB, Marie Lundgren is the company’s most experienced employee. With reassurance, engagement and a large dose of social skills, she is an important element of both day-to-day work and relationships with customers.
When Marie Lundgren started at Oskarshamns Plåtindustri in 1981, there were no computers. Orders to the workshop were sent out once a month, and the information flow was handled manually with card indexes. Since then, both the pace and the technology have changed –but Marie is still there.
“I’ve never wanted to leave. When I find something good, I stay with it. So instead of changing jobs, I changed manager and owner," she says with a smile, referring to Be-Ge’s takeover of the company in 2001.
She currently works with administration, marketing, payroll and HR issues. This makes her a key element of the office’s operations. She is also the only woman
in the white-collar group.
“I see myself as something of a motherly figure in the office. I think that suits me quite well,” says Marie, who describes herself as sociable, orderly and “pedantic, maybe a bit too much sometimes”.
Keen to develop
During her years at the company, she has seen both structures and systems change fundamentally. Four different business systems have come and gone, and a fifth is under way.
“There are always major changes, but I think it’s exciting. It provides an overview and efficiency, which is necessary for us to be profitable and keep up with developments.”
Developing herself is something that drives Marie, even though she now knows every nook and cranny of the premises on Södra Fabriksgatan.
“I feel like part of the furniture, but at the same time I’ve developed all the time. Staying in one place provides reassurance, you gain experience that’s valuable in day-to-day work. And as long as I have my health, I’m not planning to stop any time soon.”
Working as a team
Collaboration with colleagues in the office has been ongoing for decades. Inge Caremalm started in 1988. Marie says, with a glint in her eye, that CEO Birger Andersson “has only been here for 20 years”.
“We’re a team,” says Inge. “It’s very much a family atmosphere.”
Despite her multiple roles, she is not limited to internal administration. Marie often represents Be-Ge at trade fairs and events.
“It’s a great way to keep in touch with
to leave Be-Ge
customers, and sometimes I take the opportunity to sell a little too. When you’ve known many people for a long time, and everything happens more digitally nowadays, it’s especially fun to meet in real life.”
She is also active in the company’s HR team, which includes maintaining contact with schools to secure future skills.
“It’s important to be out there. It’s getting more difficult to recruit nowadays, so we have to promote ourselves as an employer.”
One particularly strong memory in recent years is the 90th anniversary of BeGe, which was celebrated with a big party in the spirit of the 30s.
“We were the planning team that arranged it all. 400 guests from the Swedish companies. It was an incredibly successful evening, a memory that will stay with me.”
One person unable to attend was Per-Erik “Icke” Persson, former owner and manager at Be-Ge, who took part via a video link.
“I often think of him. He used to visit and talk about old times. He called me “little girl” and used to ask if I had money to pay the bills. He cared a lot about the company.”
Built from scratch
Away from work, there is one place that means a lot: the holiday home in Korpemåla, between Oskarshamn and Kalmar. Together with her husband Mats, who she has been with since her teens, she built the house from scratch.
“So now I know three things I don't want to be: forestry worker, roofer and painter,” Marie laughs. “But it was amazing. We’re incredibly happy here.”
Nestled together in the garden are onions, mint, rhubarb and strawberries – all in planting boxes with a sheet metal design, thanks to some help from colleagues.
“The grandchildren love the berries. This is where we gather, especially when our daughter Emelie comes home from Australia.”
The aim is to live here permanently
after retirement. But for the time being, it’s the everyday routine in Oskarshamn, with a five-minute commute and work that still feels meaningful.
“Be-Ge is an amazing employer. They are responsive, flexible and you get to be involved in making a difference. That’s probably why so many of us stay around for so long.” n
Personal facts
Marie Lundgren
Age: 62
Lives: Oskarshamn
Works: Works with marketing and administration at Be-Ge Plåt industri AB in Oskarshamn
Family: Husband Mats, adult children Oliver and Emelie, five grandchildren.
Hobbies: Gardening, interior design
In her free time, Marie recharges her batteries in Korpemåla, south of Oskarshamn.
Two faithful servants in the office. Inge Caremalm, who was hired in 1988, appreciates Marie as a colleague.
Same workplace for 44 years. Marie feels that she is still developing in her role after four decades.
New facility gives a boost
With new premises under way in Oskarshamn, Be-Ge Lastbilar is taking the next step in its development. A brand new facility with offices is under construction, to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.
The premises on Södra Fabriksgatan have served their time.
Built in 1961, they are far from suitable for modern vehicles and health and safety requirements. So now the old home is being replaced by a totally new, tailored solution –in a place where there is room to grow.
“We’ve been talking about this for over ten years. It’s been difficult to find a good solution in Oskarshamn, but just over two years ago we secured a plot of land at Kvastmossen. That meant we could get started,” says Tomas Engsund, MD of Be-Ge Lastbilar AB.
to the current one, but the workplaces will be both wider and more functional. Most importantly, the standard of the work environment is being raised to a totally new level.
“The old building has the wrong dimensions, low ceiling height and just wasn’t built for modern vehicles. We’ve investigated the possibility of converting it, but it’s neither practical nor financially justifiable,” says Tomas.
New repair workshop
The new facility will cover around 3,000 square metres and contain both a workshop and offices. The layout is similar
The new workshop will have double pits, two overhead cranes and a higher ceiling. A totally new repair workshop is also being
built – an area that Be-Ge Lastbilar is investing in for the future.
“We’ve been able to handle minor repairs before, but with the new facility we’ll be able to take on significantly bigger jobs. This means that we’ll also need to hire new employees for the repair workshop.”
Another new feature is a special clean room, where engines and other sensitive components can be handled in a controlled environment.
“We’re building the clean room so that we can deliver better repairs. Modern engines are so advanced that they require special conditions for us to be able to do a good job.”
The aim is to start construction in August 2025, once the building permit has been
"The new facility will be visible from the E22. That’s really positive for our exposure."
Drawing of Be-Ge Lastbilar’s new premises at Kvastmossen.
Be-Ge Lastbilar’s current facility in Oskarshamn will be partially used to provide new premises for Be-Ge Personbilar.
Tomas Engsund.
granted. The official opening is planned for late 2026 or early 2027. Then Be-Ge Lastbilar will also have a much more prominent place in the cityscape.
“The new facility will be visible from the E22. That’s really positive for our exposure. We believe that this, together with the repair workshop, can contribute to increasing our turnover by around 20%, which will be required to make the investment economically viable.
New solutions
The old building will not go to waste. New solutions are now being planned there for Be-Ge Personbilar.
“We’re considering what we can do with it, but the idea is that the car business will be able to take over parts of the premises. It will also benefit them – better spaces and a better work environment for their part as well,” says Tomas.
The project is one of the biggest initiatives in Be-Ge’s history and an important investment for the future.
“We believe in this. We’ve previously expanded in Hultsfred and Vetlanda. Now it was Oskarshamn’s turn.” n
Functional extension
Be-Ge Lastbilar AB will be building a 3,000 square metre facility here on the industrial site to the west of the E22 in Oskarshamn.
The official opening is planned for late 2026.
With a lubrication pit and double overhead cranes in the ceiling, the new workshop hall in Hultsfred has both made work easier for staff and resulted in better service to customers.
From having previously performed some workshop tasks outdoors, mechanic Stefan Stolt and his colleagues in Hultsfred can now do oil changes and other service operations easily and conveniently using the lubrication pit in the new truck hall.
“Being able to work beneath the trucks like this has made our work much easier. Now we can also accept fully laden vehicles and service them quickly and efficiently, all year round,” says a satisfied Service Manager Henrik Gustafsson.
Better conditions
The extended truck hall covering a total of 470 square metres at Be-Ge Lastbilar’s facility was taken into use last November. The purpose of the expansion was to adapt the workshop to today’s needs and the larger workforce.
“Our business in Hultsfred has developed really well, and we felt that it was time to further develop the workshop facility. With the new truck hall, we’ve
created significantly better conditions for the six mechanics in the workforce, and are also able to meet our customers’ needs in the best possible way," emphasises CEO Tomas Engsund.
In addition to the generously proportioned lubrication pit, the new hall is also equipped with double overhead cranes. This means a significant improvement in heavy lifting capacity.
“This applies not least to the part of the hall that’s used for the assembly of new vehicles prior to delivery to customers. The overhead cranes make it much easier for us to assemble bodies and suchlike,” explains Henrik Gustafsson, who also emphasises that the response from customers has been very positive.
“The new truck hall is very much appreciated. It means both faster and more efficient service,” he says. n
The extended truck hall in Hultsfred was taken into use in November.
Service Manager Henrik Gustafsson sees many benefits in the extension.
Mechanic Stefan Stolt can easily perform service operations using the lubrication pit.
Sales programme to drive growth
With a new international training programme for the sales organisation, Be-Ge Seating Division wants to take the next step towards increased growth. A uniform methodology is now being built up in five countries, with the aim of both strengthening customer relationships and streamlining internal collaboration.
Reaching the growth target every year requires focus and the right priorities. For Be-Ge Seating Division, it’s not enough to just work hard – it’s about working smart.
“It’s not enough just to fill your days with activities. We need to be sure that we’re doing the right things,” explains Thomas Axelsson, Managing Director.
To achieve this, the division has adopted a new approach to its sales work. Together with sales consultant Håkan Melin from the company Adviser Partner, an extensive development programme is now under way involving the entire international sales organisation.
A total of 22 people from Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK are involved. A parallel programme is under way in Denmark. The goal is clear: a shared view of how to conduct sales, from initial contact to long-term business relationship.
“Our salespeople must be able to meet the customer with both knowledge and confidence. That builds relationships and
creates trust,” says Thomas.
The training programme involves eight sessions during the year, many of which are physical meetings. So far, the group has met up in Oskarshamn and Zaltbommel in the Netherlands. Between these meetings, digital sessions are held where the insights are followed up and considered in greater detail.
“It’s not just about sales techniques, but also about building a stronger team. We’re based in different countries, but we have to work as one unit,” says Ronny Nilsson, Commercial Director.
Need for support
One key element of this work is to create a playbook, a shared work document that brings together methods, priorities and customer categorisations. This will become a practical tool that will be linked to the business system and provide a better overview.
“When an enquiry comes in, we must be singing from the same song sheet. That
makes it easier for both the salesperson and management," says Ronny.
The training programme covers different customer types and sales situations. What do you do with a cold contact? How do you describe Be-Ge in a way that captures the company’s strengths, such as flexibility, customisation and small production runs?
“Standard solutions are unusual for us. It’s about understanding the customer’s needs and solving their problems,” says Thomas.
When the playbook is complete in November, it will be a tool for the entire organisation, but it will also be the starting point for a new way of working that will support Be-Ge towards continued growth.
“What we’re building now must last over time and help us grow together,” emphasises Ronny. n
Ronny Nilsson and Thomas Axelsson are convinced that the investment in a joint sales strategy will yield results.
In May, participants in the sales programme met up for a joint meeting in Zaltbommel, the Netherlands. After a presentation by sales consultant Håkan Melin, there was also an opportunity for reflection and socialising in smaller groups.
Support that makes a difference
Every weekday morning, the Kikebokyrkan church in Oskarshamn is a place for breakfast, warmth and fellowship. The organisation Hela människan supports those who have ended up far away from the heart of society – but who want to return. Their work is made possible by a community that cares.
I’ve decided to work with people that no one else wants to work with," says Ulf Ljunggren, operations manager for Hela människan.
Since 2019, “Ljungan”, as he is known to many, has been one of the driving forces behind Hela människan – Swedish for "the whole person" – an association that offers support to people in vulnerable situations. These are people struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness or high debts. But also people who want to make a change.
Four pillars
The organisation is based on four pillars: breakfast served in the Kikebokyrkan church, a joinery in the Western Industrial Estate, family support and a newlylaunched homework project for young people.
“There’s a way forward for anyone who wants it. From a first contact at the breakfast to employment in the joinery, and on to a job through the municipality or the Swedish Employment Service. But it’s based on someone believing in you,” says Ulf Ljunggren.
The joinery is an important component. It is a way to create structure and community when you have left the drugs behind and are suddenly faced with all that time that used to be spent surviving.
“As an addict, you put all your energy into getting money for the next hit. When that disappears, you need something else to fill your days with,” explains Ulf.
Need for support
Hela människan is run with the support of volunteers, churches, the municipality and local companies. One of them is the Be-Ge Group.
“It’s the support from the local community that makes it possible. Be-Ge has provided great support for several years, and I’m impressed by Oskarshamn’s desire to help,” says Ulf Ljunggren.
Family support is aimed at children and parents who live in the shadow of substance abuse. It organises excursions, Christmas presents and simple pleasures that would otherwise have been missed. And with his experience as an upper secondary school teacher, Ljunggren recently launched a homework project for school students who are struggling. The young people study on three Mondays, and do something fun together on the fourth, such as go-carting or a planned trip to an amusement park.
“One of the goals is not to have any shootings in Oskarshamn. We need to break the sense of exclusion before it takes hold,” emphasises Ulf Ljunggren.
Several initiatives
Be-Ge’s social commitment is also evident at an international level. For example, Be-Ge Baltic in Lithuania works with several humanitarian initiatives, from supporting young people in crisis to including hearing-impaired employees and integrating Ukrainian refugees.
Be-Ge Seating B.V. in the Netherlands is also making a contribution through its involvement in a municipal trainee programme that aims to strengthen the integration of newly arrived citizens. The programme has yielded positive results, including part-time employment at Be-Ge for one of the participants. n
Much of the food that Hela människan distributes is donated by local shops and bakeries.
Caroline Rosenquist, Anette Rogö, Emma Hedberg, Anna Lena Svensson, Ulf Ljunggren and Rose-Marie Probelius Seger welcome visitors to the Hela människan breakfast gathering in the Kikebokyrkan church.
Continued investment in solar cells
Both Be-Ge Seating B.V. and Be-Ge Baltic UAB will be investing in solar cell installations to enable them to use electricity generated in-house in their operations. Good for the environment and for the finances!
NEWS FROM THE BE-GE GROUP Awards for the Be-Ge Group
During the first few months of 2025, Be-Ge received several awards, recognising the contributions our employees make every day for Be-Ge. In February, Be-Ge Lastbilar AB’s workshop in Oskarshamn was named Sweden’s best Scania workshop for 2024.
Sector Manager Michael Larsen is grateful and proud of the award, and writes: “We’re incredibly proud of the work that staff in Oskarshamn put in every day to capture our customers’ incredibly important opinions.”
Oskarshamn hosts a gala, the Oskarsgalan, where prizes are presented in various categories to highlight good examples and successful efforts to inspire the continued development of the town. The Be-Ge Group received the “Regional Development Award of the Year” from the training provider Nova Utbildning, FoU & Affärsutveckling. The citation states, among other things, that “Be-Ge has been committed to Oskarshamn’s development, skills supply and the creation
Two new appointments
Be-Ge Seating AB has a new R&D Manager as of 1 March, by the name of Catrin Loman. Catrin comes from a position as Purchasing Manager with responsibility for non-production, and as a strategic buyer for metal raw materials and steel strips. We welcome Catrin to the Be-Ge family!
After a spell with another employer, Conny Lövgren has decided to return to Be-Ge, now as Service Market Manager at Be-Ge Personbilar AB. We welcome Conny back to the Be-Ge family!
Håkan Hjalmarsson, Ann-Sophie Lodge and Marie Vanjasdotter Erlandsson receiving Be-Ge’s award at the gala.
of new jobs for three generations. Be-Ge has contributed major initiatives for local businesses and associations. Be-Ge is a company that has the local area close to its heart.”
For the second year in a row, Be-Ge Företagen AB was presented with the “Sweden’s Best Managed Companies”
award by the auditing and consulting firm Deloitte. Best Managed Companies is a quality award presented to private Swedish companies based on criteria that assess strategic direction, operational capacity, corporate culture and economic development.
We are delighted that the Group has been recognised for its efforts!
Great joy among the award-winning employees at the truck workshop in Oskarshamn.