History
In 1905, Trelleborgs Gummifabriks AB is founded. Under the management of Henry Dunker, it rapidly becomes Scandinavia’s leading rubber-production company, with bicycle and car tires, industrial rubber goods and raincoats as its principal products.
World War I boosts business. The rubber-production plant is prioritized as an essential wartime operation and production focuses entirely on meeting the needs of the Swedish defense forces.
The development of motoring soon leads to car tires becoming the single largest product. Inflatable leisure articles, such as swimming rings, air mattresses and rubber boats also increase substantially.
World War II entails readjusting to the production of war supplies and brings a new upswing.
Internationalization begins. Initially, a global network of agents is established, followed by proprietary companies abroad. The world’s first winter tire and Europe’s first tubeless tire are launched.
Henry Dunker dies at age 92, leaving his fortune to a number of funds and foundations, which today control the majority of the voting rights in the company.
Read more about Trelleborg and the Dunker interests
The proportion of sales generated by industrial rubber products increases steadily. Production of car and truck tires is phased out in 1975 due to a costly transition to radial tires, overproduction and pressure on prices. Most bicycle-tire production is also phased out.
A period of strong expansion commences. The company grows from solely producing rubber products into an international conglomerate 20 times larger, in which mining and metal operations predominate, with rubber and plastics taking third place.
A dramatic turnabout takes place. Economic conditions worsen, metal prices plummet and the Swedish construction market collapses. An extensive streamlining program is initiated and large parts of operations are divested.
The company is debt-free and there is broad scope for new investments. Emphasis is now placed on rubber operations, which expand strongly through company acquisitions.
A new strategic focus is launched. Operations are focused entirely on the industrial sector, which grows through major company acquisitions. All other operations are phased out.
The Trelleborg Group celebrates its centenary!
The Group is today a global industrial group with cutting-edge expertise in advanced polymer technology. Production takes place at some 100 plants in 40 countries.
Trelleborg products are found in a wide variety of contexts worldwide. They damp, seal and protect, both in everyday settings and under extreme conditions.
If you're interested in Trelleborg's history, you can find out more in our
Centenary website.