The Larsson Legacy: Four Generations Woven into the Fabric of Trelleborg
Date: 20.10.25
For some families, a company is just a place of work. But for the Larsson family, Trelleborg has been a central part of their lives for four generations.
Their story is not just one of long service; it is a living history of Trelleborg itself, reflecting the company's transformation from a local rubber factory to a global leader in polymer engineering. With a combined service of nearly 125 years, the legacies of Olle, Ove, Peter and Markus are deeply interwoven with our own, showcasing a shared evolution built on dedication, innovation, and a commitment to shaping industry from the inside.
He was at the forefront of Trelleborg’s product evolution, handling everything from hard rubber battery containers and bowling balls for major clients like AMF to rubber sheeting and tires. He experienced firsthand how quickly markets could shift, as when plastic alternatives emerged and sales for established rubber products vanished almost overnight. This taught him the importance of adaptation—a lesson Trelleborg took to heart.
Later in his career, as chairman of the white-collar union and an employee representative on the Trelleborg AB board, Ove played a role in one of the company's most pivotal strategic decisions: to "go back to basics." During the mid-1990s, he was part of the leadership that decided to divest from non-core businesses and focus purely on polymer expertise. This move set the stage for a period of major global acquisitions, cementing Trelleborg’s position as a world leader. Ove’s career mirrors Trelleborg’s own path: one of focused growth, strategic expansion, and an unwavering commitment to our core expertise.
After retiring, Ove remained actively involved with the Trelleborg community. He joined a group dedicated to organizing trips and gatherings for retirees in the Park, now home to Trelleborg’s annual general meetings. In addition, Ove partnered with Carl Aspgren to document the company’s rich history, building an extensive archive of photographs and documents, ensuring that the spirit and legacy of Trelleborg would be preserved for generations to come.
Peter went on to dedicate 36 years to Trelleborg, contributing his expertise as a mechanical engineer. His career was marked by involvement in development and management, where he played a leading role in driving projects that kept Trelleborg at the forefront of technical innovation, process optimization and customer value. Peter represents the modern era of the company, a time of sophisticated engineering, global collaboration and continuous quality improvement.
His leadership extended beyond business operations. Peter served as chairman of T-Nabben, Trelleborg’s well-known sports and recreation association, where he fostered a culture of teamwork, camaraderie and wellbeing among colleagues. Through T-Nabben, Peter built bridges between generations and departments, strengthening the sense of community that has long distinguished Trelleborg.
Markus’s work reflects the growing importance of communication, technology and connection in shaping Trelleborg’s future. By helping to tell Trelleborg’s story and vision to a global audience, while also driving innovation in how we engage online, he stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. As Markus continues his career at Trelleborg, his chapter promises to connect our storied past with the digital-first mindset and ambitions that will guide Trelleborg into the decades ahead.
As each Larsson has shaped their own path at Trelleborg, they've also considered the values and wisdom to pass on to those who will follow. Looking ahead, their insights serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations of Trelleborg employees.
Ove reflects on his long career and the strength found in unity:
"As an employee, you are not alone; you are part of a bigger team. Appreciate your colleagues, learn from them, and remember, together, we move forward."
Peter highlights the importance of involvement and lifelong learning:
"A career is a rollercoaster, with fulfilling moments, like completing product development projects, and challenging times, such as making difficult staffing decisions. Seize every opportunity for continuous learning through company courses and training. Invest in yourself by taking on new assignments and, if possible, embracing international work experiences."
Markus reflects on innovation and teamwork in a digital age:
“Stay curious, stay connected. Use technology to collaborate and keep the spirit of partnership and support alive. It’s by working together that we make the most meaningful impact, both locally and globally.”
Through their advice, the Larssons remind us that Trelleborg’s future will be shaped by a willingness to adapt, a commitment to each other, and the enduring value of teamwork.
Discover more stories from our 120–year history and explore how we continue to shape industry from the inside: 120 year anniversary
The First Generation: Olle Larsson and the Post-War Era
The Larsson family’s connection with Trelleborg began in the 1940s with Olle Larsson. During his 30-year career, Olle worked in the mixing department, carefully weighing out chemicals by hand, an essential and demanding role in the production process at the time. He witnessed a period of significant growth and change. In those days, the Trelleborg facility was the heart of the local community. It was a different world, one where the factory floor was a community in itself, laying the foundational stones for the global enterprise Trelleborg would become. Olle’s dedication through these formative years helped establish a culture of resilience and hard work that still resonates today.The Second Generation: Ove Larsson and the Vision of an Industrial Giant
Ove Larsson’s story with Trelleborg began in 1953 with a student internship in the post and customs departments. It was from this vantage point that he had the memorable experience of seeing our founder, Henry Dunker, visit the CEO. This was a company on the cusp of immense change. After completing his military service, Ove became an internal sales representative, a role he held throughout his 48-year career.He was at the forefront of Trelleborg’s product evolution, handling everything from hard rubber battery containers and bowling balls for major clients like AMF to rubber sheeting and tires. He experienced firsthand how quickly markets could shift, as when plastic alternatives emerged and sales for established rubber products vanished almost overnight. This taught him the importance of adaptation—a lesson Trelleborg took to heart.
Later in his career, as chairman of the white-collar union and an employee representative on the Trelleborg AB board, Ove played a role in one of the company's most pivotal strategic decisions: to "go back to basics." During the mid-1990s, he was part of the leadership that decided to divest from non-core businesses and focus purely on polymer expertise. This move set the stage for a period of major global acquisitions, cementing Trelleborg’s position as a world leader. Ove’s career mirrors Trelleborg’s own path: one of focused growth, strategic expansion, and an unwavering commitment to our core expertise.
After retiring, Ove remained actively involved with the Trelleborg community. He joined a group dedicated to organizing trips and gatherings for retirees in the Park, now home to Trelleborg’s annual general meetings. In addition, Ove partnered with Carl Aspgren to document the company’s rich history, building an extensive archive of photographs and documents, ensuring that the spirit and legacy of Trelleborg would be preserved for generations to come.
The Third Generation: Peter Larsson, Engineering a Modern Trelleborg
Following in his family's footsteps, Peter Larsson charted his own path at Trelleborg with a career that began well before his full-time employment. Over four summers as a young student, Peter worked in various departments, gaining hands-on experience and insight into many facets of the business, from production to logistics. This early exposure gave him a unique appreciation for both the people on the shop floor and the operational heartbeat of the company, laying the groundwork for his deep engagement in later years.Peter went on to dedicate 36 years to Trelleborg, contributing his expertise as a mechanical engineer. His career was marked by involvement in development and management, where he played a leading role in driving projects that kept Trelleborg at the forefront of technical innovation, process optimization and customer value. Peter represents the modern era of the company, a time of sophisticated engineering, global collaboration and continuous quality improvement.
His leadership extended beyond business operations. Peter served as chairman of T-Nabben, Trelleborg’s well-known sports and recreation association, where he fostered a culture of teamwork, camaraderie and wellbeing among colleagues. Through T-Nabben, Peter built bridges between generations and departments, strengthening the sense of community that has long distinguished Trelleborg.
The Fourth Generation: Markus Larsson and a Future-Focused Vision
The Larsson legacy continues with the fourth generation, Markus. With 13 years at Trelleborg already, Markus brings a dynamic outlook to the company’s ongoing journey. As the web officer for Trelleborg Group Communications, Markus plays a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing the company’s digital presence. Serving as the first line of support for the corporate website, he ensures that Trelleborg’s digital channels run smoothly and efficiently, keeping information accessible and accurate for colleagues and customers worldwide.Markus’s work reflects the growing importance of communication, technology and connection in shaping Trelleborg’s future. By helping to tell Trelleborg’s story and vision to a global audience, while also driving innovation in how we engage online, he stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation. As Markus continues his career at Trelleborg, his chapter promises to connect our storied past with the digital-first mindset and ambitions that will guide Trelleborg into the decades ahead.
Advice for Future Generations
As each Larsson has shaped their own path at Trelleborg, they've also considered the values and wisdom to pass on to those who will follow. Looking ahead, their insights serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations of Trelleborg employees.Ove reflects on his long career and the strength found in unity:
"As an employee, you are not alone; you are part of a bigger team. Appreciate your colleagues, learn from them, and remember, together, we move forward."
Peter highlights the importance of involvement and lifelong learning:
"A career is a rollercoaster, with fulfilling moments, like completing product development projects, and challenging times, such as making difficult staffing decisions. Seize every opportunity for continuous learning through company courses and training. Invest in yourself by taking on new assignments and, if possible, embracing international work experiences."
Markus reflects on innovation and teamwork in a digital age:
“Stay curious, stay connected. Use technology to collaborate and keep the spirit of partnership and support alive. It’s by working together that we make the most meaningful impact, both locally and globally.”
Through their advice, the Larssons remind us that Trelleborg’s future will be shaped by a willingness to adapt, a commitment to each other, and the enduring value of teamwork.
A Legacy of Shaping Industry, Together
The story of the Larsson family is a powerful testament to the human element at the core of Trelleborg’s success. From the facility floors of the 1940s to the global corporate boardroom and today's digital landscape, their collective experience is a mirror of our own evolution. Their dedication, adaptability and passion have contributed to our growth and have become a part of our identity. As we celebrate 120 years, we honor the families like the Larssons who have helped build Trelleborg, generation by generation. Their legacy is a reminder that our greatest asset has always been our people.