Improvement in order numbers at SKS

2 June 2009: Tyre manufacturers in Europe and China are once more calling for yarn from SKS. Managing Director Urban Olsson is able to confirm a improvement in order numbers in recent weeks:

“We are dealing with a clear turn in the market. After a sluggish first quarter, 50 per cent down on last year, we are now at 80 per cent of the record levels of 2008. Thanks to our modern new factory, a highly efficient logistics system and our committed and service-oriented staff, we have quickly been able to readjust and deliver. Our customers have begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel – quite simply, they are selling more tyres. We are working a three-shift pattern from Monday to Friday, but it is only a matter of time before we will be returning to a full week once more.”

Urban Olsson does not wish to speculate as to what lies behind the sudden boom in tyres: “One theory is that the industry, which built up big supplies last autumn, has now been going through them at an ever faster rate and so some gaps are beginning to appear on the shelves. Add to that the fact that sales of new cars are declining, so the existing fleet is being driven for further, which means more wear and tear and more tyre changes.”

SKS developing its weaving mill for specialised products

2 June 2009: Everything can now be found under one roof at SKS’ state-of-the-art factory on Getängsvägen in Borås. This has been the case since the weaving mill was moved from the old factory, which then closed. The looms have been installed and run in and are now operating at full production. In future, SKS’ weaving mill will be developed so that it moves away from its previous niche of volume production of cord fabrics for tyres to one of specialised products in smaller volumes with a greater demand on quality and variety.
Pictures: SKS’ Managing Director, Urban Olsson, and weaver Ilpo Niskanen at one of the looms.

Welcome to Techtextil 2009 – order free tickets here!

2 June 2009: From 16-18 June, SKS will be exhibiting at Techtextil in Frankfurt and will have its own stand (number F53) in Hall 4.1. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the whole of SKS’ range of yarns and fabrics. “We are looking forward to meeting our customers and listening to their needs and ideas for future product development,” says SKS’ Sales Manager, Hans-Eric Gustafsson. SKS is making preparations and has a large number of free tickets to offer for the trade fair. Send an e-mail today to elin.alth@svensktkonstsilke.se and the tickets will be sent in the post. Techtextil website>>

SKS shows its best results for 25 years

2 June 2009: In 2008, SKS achieved its best results for 25 years. Turnover finished on SEK 195 million and profits reached almost SEK 14 million. With SEK 8 million in the fund and an equity/assets ratio of 20 per cent, plus a continued improvement in cash flow during the first quarter of this year, the future certainly appears bright for the sprightly recently-turned 90-year-old! Managing Director Urban Olsson says that SKS’ new approach, of working prudently and aggressively on the company’s cost volume during the current recession, has proved very successful. Proof of this is the fact that SKS is continuing to earn money, despite a less favourable first quarter. Send an e-mail today and order the SKS annual rewiev>>

Mirella Johansson new Technical Manager at SKS

2 June 2009: Graduate engineer Mirella Johansson, 40, is SKS’ new Technical Manager and is also Quality Manager at the factory in Borås.  She began as a laboratory assistant ten years ago. Now, Mirella is looking forward to a new era at SKS:

“My new job means I am in touch with all those on the customer side responsible for technical matters. Among other things, we carry out tests and product development together. I am also responsible for ISO 9000 as well as for ensuring that any complaints are investigated and dealt with.”

Mirella very much enjoys her work, which varies and is never monotonous: “SKS is just the right size of company with a wide choice of high-quality products. It is stimulating.” Mirella is married and lives in Borås. She shares with her husband an interest in travel:
“We work hard and save up for a big holiday each year. We alternate between Asia and Europe every other year. Most recently, we were in China, and in the summer we will be going to Scotland.”

Mirella succeeds SKS’ legendary Technical Manager, Eskil Eriksson, who will continue to work for SKS on a consultancy basis.