From school to Ankarsrum
Mats Johansson left school on June 9, 1976. The very next Monday he started working in the factory in the mill town of Ankarsrum, which was then part of Electrolux. Since then, he has been an invaluable part of the company and is today our most experienced employee. On June 5, he will retire, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his fantastic contribution over almost five decades.
A versatile job
Today Mats works in the service workshop where he troubleshoots and repairs Ankarsrum Assistent Original. He drives a forklift, handles container loads, replenishes stock and helps with production. His duties also include assembly of the Blenders, the DeLuxe Packages and the Mincers. Mats says he has worked with the assistent all these years.
“I have always enjoyed solving problems and making sure everything works properly,” he says.
A journey through time
When Mats started in 1976, the Assistent, which today is the Ankarsrum Assistent Original, was manufactured by Electrolux, which had as many as 680 employees at the factory in the mill town of Ankarsrum. The production was much bigger and broader, with cookers, vacuum cleaners and castings all made in the same place. Mats has seen the company develop and specialize, but his focus has always been on the Assistent Original.
“It was a different time. We made a lot of products and it’s fun to see how the company has changed and developed,” he says.
Plans for retirement
After 48 years with the company, he is ready for the next chapter. With a keen interest in fishing and hunting, he’s looking forward to spending more time at his summer home. At the same time, he is ending his role as a part-time firefighter, something he has done for 25 years.
“It feels good to retire. I look forward to taking it easy and spending a lot of time at my summer cottage,” says Mats.
Favorites through the years
When it comes to the favorite color of Ankarsrum Assistent Original through the years, Mats has a clear favorite: the nostalgic Shiny Lilac.
“The purple looks like a caramel. I’ll show you some we have left here in the warehouse,” he says proudly, holding up a purple chassis.
But his favorite accessory is more practical – the Mincer, which he uses extensively after hunting.
We at Ankarsrum are incredibly grateful for Mats’ long and loyal service and would like to thank him for all he has contributed during his 48 years with us. His dedication and knowledge have left a mark that will live on for a long time. We wish him all the best for his upcoming retirement and the new chapter in his life.
