Driving manufacturing excellence: Magnus Olofsson
Date: 10.10.25
Throughout his long career, Magnus Olofsson has witnessed and helped drive manufacturing excellence.
Both the local engineered coated facility in Trelleborg, Sweden and the wider business unit have evolved in remarkable ways since his early days with the company. A key turning point came with the acquisition of Reeves Brothers Inc. and the expansion into the US coated fabric market, developments that shaped the business's focus on essential product segments and laid the groundwork for ongoing growth.
The Engineered Coated Fabrics business unit has developed highly specialized technology. Magnus states, "I would even dare to say that our technology is one-of-a-kind in the industry. Together with our long-term, deep implementation of Manufacturing Excellence, we have achieved remarkable progress and built a strong foundation for continued success." Operating as an aligned team with shared goals, the business area regularly monitors and refines its processes to sustain performance and drive future success.
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Customers, technology and excellence
In earlier years, the facility was highly dependent on a small number of mostly internal customers. Seeing the need for greater resilience and new opportunities, Magnus and his colleagues initiated a diversification strategy. Today, the facility serves a well-balanced mix of external and internal customers, spanning many sectors and industries. The team continues to seek out new markets and explore innovative technical solutions, making adaptability a driving force behind the facility’s continued evolution.The Engineered Coated Fabrics business unit has developed highly specialized technology. Magnus states, "I would even dare to say that our technology is one-of-a-kind in the industry. Together with our long-term, deep implementation of Manufacturing Excellence, we have achieved remarkable progress and built a strong foundation for continued success." Operating as an aligned team with shared goals, the business area regularly monitors and refines its processes to sustain performance and drive future success.
Recognizing key contributors
Such transformation is never the work of one individual alone. Magnus credits several key colleagues whose dedication and expertise made this possible:
- Ronny Perdegård led the implementation of both Manufacturing Excellence (ME) and Purchasing Excellence (PE).
- Bengt Lindkvist (Retired) played a crucial part in guiding the facility from an internal supplier of coated fabrics to a diversified producer with a strong external customer portfolio.
Looking back, Magnus takes pride in what the team has accomplished together. The facility’s evolution is a testament to purposeful strategy and a spirit of collaboration, qualities that will continue to position Trelleborg for a strong future.