At Skeppshult, it is the old traditions that are important. Thanks to modern entrepreneurship and intensive export efforts, the hand casted products, on which production started as far back as 1906, have reached well outside the borders of Sweden.
The frying pan with the solid wooden handle is a big success on the Swedish domestic market. However, the frying pan with the steel handle dominates on several export markets. Here, we are talking about 25,000-30,000 frying pans a year – a volume that is increasing as the number of exports grows.
The whole thing works very well – the fact that they manufacture their own tools and all processing is done in-house.
Erik van Dijk, Skeppshults Gjuteri
When a review of the product was conducted, it was decided that the steel handle should be given a new design. The requirements specification implied that it would be a relatively complicated process with processing in several types of presses. The previous supplier could not manage the technique required as a result of the amended requirements and so Skeppshults Gjuteri needed a new partner.
Important supplier selection
– We could have had the steel handle produced by someone far away, but this goes against our policy," explains Erik van Dijk, Production Manager at Skeppshults Gjuteri. "We purchase raw materials and manufactured parts from as close by as possible, both out of consideration for the environment and for practical reasons. Long distances and different cultures can cost more than what's written on the price tag.
Erik van Dijk has had some personal contact with Andrénverken in the past, which now made it very natural for him to enquire about the production of the new handle.
– I'd visited Andrénverken and had been given a rundown of what they can do and how they work," says Erik. "I now had a specific enquiry to run by them and they were immediately interested.
The rest is now history dating back a couple of years. Today, we, at Andrénverken, deliver the steel handles for the frying pans on an ongoing basis.
World-class sheet metal processing
– They've got the whole thing working very well – the fact that they manufacture their own tools and all parts of the processing is done in-house. The overall picture is important for us. We have a good amount of control and can discuss an amendment without it being complicated.
Open and honest communication is also of great value in the ongoing contact between the parties.
– We appreciate the 'old' company climate," explains Erik. "We know where we stand and that creates trust. On one occasion, when there was a delay, we immediately received a telephone call from them to explain. It didn't cause a problem, but the point is that we have an open dialogue with them and, thus, avoid any unpleasant surprises.
– In a good collaboration, both parties can give each other a hand when it's needed," adds Erik van Dijk at Skeppshults Gjuteri.
