How does it feel to be the Trade Partner of the Year?
It feels great!
Why do you think you became the Trade Partner of the Year 2024?
We did very well during the pandemic year 2022. We increased sales by almost 30% and raised profits by 250% compared to previous years.
Tell us about EKB Products Ltd and what you do?
EKB Products was founded in 1959 by Börje Bengtsson, initially selling electronic components. Since the introduction of electronic fans in the 1960s, it has grown to hold one of the market’s widest range of fans for industry and ventilation. Since 2004, I, Klas Bengtsson, have been running EKB in the second generation. We were originally a Stockholm-based company that moved operations to Helsingborg in the early 1990s. Logistics, warehousing, and sales mainly take place there today, with a smaller sales office and warehouse in Stockholm, near Globen.
What are your best tips for running a successful business?
Be yourself, do what you enjoy, forge your own path, work long-term, be solution-oriented, see the customer’s needs from your own perspective. Build good relationships that create trust, be responsible, and work on organic growth. Freedom is in the choice. You reach it by fulfilling the aforementioned points.
What is the key to maintaining good relationships with customers?
Treat them as you would like to be treated. Open up, and be generous to those who respect you.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges within Swedish trade right now?
Be solution-oriented; where there are problems, there are opportunities. Focus on opportunities, not problems. Companies that can quickly adapt to changes usually have the greatest chance of success. Expand the range for existing customers, broaden the customer base, be service-oriented, invest in the customer by maintaining inventory, be available to the customer when he/she seeks contact.
How do you see the future of EKB and its role within the Swedish trade sector?
I see good opportunities for us to expand our business by increasing the visibility of our company, both nationally and internationally. Today, we have 3 employees with a turnover of nearly 17 million. The profit was almost 4 million EBT. We have a broad customer base with approximately 1500 active customers in a calendar year.
Klas emphasizes his best business advice, “be yourself, forge your own path, and work long-term.” When these points are fulfilled, it also creates freedom. The future looks promising, and Swedish trade continues to move forward strongly.