A Five-Generation Legacy: The Stenbäck Family
Date: 10.10.25
Step into the world of Trelleborg through the eyes of the Stenbäck family, a family whose history is stitched into the fabric of the company itself.
Over five generations, their hands have built, shaped and supported Trelleborg as it grew from a humble local manufacturing facility to a global leader in polymer engineering. It’s a story of determination, innovation and belonging, where each family member’s contribution has left a lasting mark on the very spirit of the company. This enduring commitment exemplifies how, for some families, Trelleborg is more than a workplace. It is a family legacy.
Per's work as a blacksmith supported these foundational years; his craftsmanship and dedication were vital as the new enterprise found its footing. Working 10 hours a day, six days a week, Per embodied the resilience and commitment that became hallmarks of both his family and the company itself, helping lay the groundwork for the generations to come.
Pay reflected the norms of the era: a 21-year-old man could expect a minimum wage of 30.5 öre per hour, less than one cent in today’s currency. Those who were younger or women earned even less, at 17 öre per hour. Through steady dedication and skill, Herman eventually saw his wages rise to one króna and 12 öre per hour.
The “Tekniskan” department was at the heart of vital manufacturing, demanding precise skills and commitment. At the time, the standard workweek was reduced to 57 hours–10 hours each weekday and seven on Saturdays. Though exhausting by today’s standards, the company’s provision of free healthcare was a progressive move, ensuring that employees had support.
Sigfrid’s dedication was extraordinary. Over his 52–year tenure, he was absent only four times. One short sick leave and three occasions for military service. His reliability, craftsmanship and unwavering presence made him both a pillar for his family and a valued member of Trelleborg’s workforce, embodying the enduring values passed down through generations.
The workplace environment then was tough and, by many accounts, unglamorous, making retention a challenge. Ann-Margreth herself only intended to work for one summer before seeking new opportunities elsewhere, yet she ultimately dedicated nearly five decades to the company. Over her 49 years, Ann-Margreth witnessed Trelleborg’s remarkable growth from 4,984 employees in 1961 to a worldwide conglomerate with nearly 20,000 employees in 40 countries at the time of her retirement in 2010.
Her adaptability led her to take on new roles in the later years, including working for Industrial Supply Products now Fluid Handling Solutions, broadening her expertise within the organization. Ann-Margreth’s legacy is defined by her resilience, her role in expanding Trelleborg’s international reach and her steadfast commitment to the values of hard work and innovation.
In 1997, Christina took on a pivotal role as a Project Secretary in the Commercial Logistics team during a significant period of transformation. She contributed to system integration following an acquisition, mapping technical requirements and coordinating the alignment of two different operational platforms, showcasing her adaptability and cross-functional teamwork.
Her dedication and growing expertise led to permanent employment as an administrative assistant at the Central Warehouse in 1998. Nearly a decade later, in 2007, Christina transitioned within Trelleborg to focus on forwarding again, playing a key role in managing all exports and imports for the 10 local Swedish sites.
When the Central Warehouse operations moved to Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 2020, Christina began a new role in Indoor Sales, continuing to serve customers and colleagues. Christina’s career is a testament to the values and resilience passed down through five generations, honoring her family’s legacy and driving our company forward.
Discover more stories from our 120–year history and explore how we continue to shape industry from the inside: 120 year anniversary
The Beginning: Per Nilsson Stenbäck
The story begins around 1900 with Christina’s great-great-grandfather, Per Nilsson Stenbäck, who worked as a blacksmith at AB Velox. During these early years, the landscape of Trelleborg’s industry was about to be transformed. In 1905, a pivotal collaboration between Henry Dunker and Johan Kock led to the founding of Trelleborgs Gummifabriks AB, ushering in a new era for the town and its industry.Per's work as a blacksmith supported these foundational years; his craftsmanship and dedication were vital as the new enterprise found its footing. Working 10 hours a day, six days a week, Per embodied the resilience and commitment that became hallmarks of both his family and the company itself, helping lay the groundwork for the generations to come.
The Second Generation: Herman Stenbäck
In 1906, Per’s son, Herman Stenbäck, joined Trelleborgs Gummifabriks AB as a machine operator in the Mechanical Workshop. That year marked a milestone at the facility: the introduction of the first formal work agreement, which limited employees to an arduous 60–hour workweek, 10 hours a day, six days a week. Vacation was not even a consideration. The only guaranteed day off each year was May 1st, the international holiday of the labor movement, celebrated since 1890.Pay reflected the norms of the era: a 21-year-old man could expect a minimum wage of 30.5 öre per hour, less than one cent in today’s currency. Those who were younger or women earned even less, at 17 öre per hour. Through steady dedication and skill, Herman eventually saw his wages rise to one króna and 12 öre per hour.
A Lifetime of Service: Sigfrid Stenbäck
The legacy continued in 1918, when Herman’s son, Sigfrid Stenbäck, began his story at Trelleborgs Gummifabriks AB at 15 years old. A testament to the era, when it was not uncommon for young people to help support large families. Sigfrid’s early experiences shaped his strong work ethic, especially as he worked alongside several of his eight siblings. For a time, one brother served as his manager in the “Tekniskan” department, overseeing the production of essential gaskets, while another brother worked beside him on the shop floor. This family dynamic made the workplace feel both close-knit and industrious, reflecting the community spirit of early Trelleborg.The “Tekniskan” department was at the heart of vital manufacturing, demanding precise skills and commitment. At the time, the standard workweek was reduced to 57 hours–10 hours each weekday and seven on Saturdays. Though exhausting by today’s standards, the company’s provision of free healthcare was a progressive move, ensuring that employees had support.
Sigfrid’s dedication was extraordinary. Over his 52–year tenure, he was absent only four times. One short sick leave and three occasions for military service. His reliability, craftsmanship and unwavering presence made him both a pillar for his family and a valued member of Trelleborg’s workforce, embodying the enduring values passed down through generations.
A New Era of Exports: Ann-Margreth Karlsson
In 1961, Sigfrid’s daughter, Ann-Margreth Karlsson (Stenbäck), began her career at Trelleborgs Gummifabriks AB. She started in the exports department, focusing largely on building relationships and growing business with countries in the Middle East, a bold task at a time when global connections were not as common as today.The workplace environment then was tough and, by many accounts, unglamorous, making retention a challenge. Ann-Margreth herself only intended to work for one summer before seeking new opportunities elsewhere, yet she ultimately dedicated nearly five decades to the company. Over her 49 years, Ann-Margreth witnessed Trelleborg’s remarkable growth from 4,984 employees in 1961 to a worldwide conglomerate with nearly 20,000 employees in 40 countries at the time of her retirement in 2010.
Her adaptability led her to take on new roles in the later years, including working for Industrial Supply Products now Fluid Handling Solutions, broadening her expertise within the organization. Ann-Margreth’s legacy is defined by her resilience, her role in expanding Trelleborg’s international reach and her steadfast commitment to the values of hard work and innovation.
Continuing the Tradition: Christina Håkansson (Karlsson)
Today, the fifth generation carries the legacy forward through Christina Håkansson. Christina’s career with Trelleborg began in 1985 with a summer position at Industriförnödenheter, now known as Fluid Handling Solutions. The following year, she covered maternity leave in the Forwarding Department at the Central Warehouse, experiencing firsthand the dynamic pulse of Trelleborg’s operations.In 1997, Christina took on a pivotal role as a Project Secretary in the Commercial Logistics team during a significant period of transformation. She contributed to system integration following an acquisition, mapping technical requirements and coordinating the alignment of two different operational platforms, showcasing her adaptability and cross-functional teamwork.
Her dedication and growing expertise led to permanent employment as an administrative assistant at the Central Warehouse in 1998. Nearly a decade later, in 2007, Christina transitioned within Trelleborg to focus on forwarding again, playing a key role in managing all exports and imports for the 10 local Swedish sites.
When the Central Warehouse operations moved to Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 2020, Christina began a new role in Indoor Sales, continuing to serve customers and colleagues. Christina’s career is a testament to the values and resilience passed down through five generations, honoring her family’s legacy and driving our company forward.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Stenbäck / Håkansson family’s story is closely interwoven with Trelleborg's evolution, from its earliest days to the present. Through each generation, their commitment, adaptability, and care have helped shape our company’s culture and direction. As we celebrate 120 years, we honor families like the Stenbäck / Håkansson who have helped build Trelleborg, generation by generation. Their legacy is a reminder that our greatest asset has always been our people.
Watch the interview with Christina