
Calix's history
Calix AB, with its subsidiaries Calix Automotive AB and Preciform AB, is a union of two Eskilstuna companies with fine old traditions: Nickelbolaget i Eskilstuna AB, founded in 1891, and AB Carl Särenholm, which was founded in 1893.
Nickelbolaget AB’s Gottfrid Carlsson started the business in 1891. The company's initial output consisted of spittoons for trains. Later they switched to producing camping stoves and cooking utensils for the armed forces and a range of other products made of nickel and silver.
AB Carl Särenholm was founded in 1893 with a lathe as their only machinery, and their very first output consisted of drawing sets and instruments. At the beginning of the 1930s, however, the company expanded considerably and a large proportion of their production was then directed towards carrying out subcontract work for the armed forces and other large assembly plants.
In 1974, the business moved to the Vilsta industrial district, where a new factory unit was erected. This was a family business through until spring 1976, when it was bought up by Nickelbolaget i Eskilstuna AB. With this merger, the name Hasselfors Preciform AB was adopted.
In 1990, two companies with their own production of car accessories were acquired: Athlet AB in Eskilstuna, which manufactured load carrier systems (a production process that was later transferred to the plant in Vilsta), and Autoform AB in Malung, where the product range comprises roof boxes and luggage compartment mats. The load carrier systems were subsequently sold to AB Klippan Oy in Finland in 2002.
In 1992, it was decided to split operations into two companies: Calix AB, manufacturing car heating products and load carrier systems, and Preciform AB, handling all subcontracting activities. As a subcontractor, Preciform AB handles manufacturing of pressed products in sheet metal and carries out surface treatment and assembly of electronic products etc.
For more than 20 years, Calix AB has been one of the largest European manufacturers of electrical engine heater systems.
Nickelbolaget AB’s Gottfrid Carlsson started the business in 1891. The company's initial output consisted of spittoons for trains. Later they switched to producing camping stoves and cooking utensils for the armed forces and a range of other products made of nickel and silver.
AB Carl Särenholm was founded in 1893 with a lathe as their only machinery, and their very first output consisted of drawing sets and instruments. At the beginning of the 1930s, however, the company expanded considerably and a large proportion of their production was then directed towards carrying out subcontract work for the armed forces and other large assembly plants.
In 1974, the business moved to the Vilsta industrial district, where a new factory unit was erected. This was a family business through until spring 1976, when it was bought up by Nickelbolaget i Eskilstuna AB. With this merger, the name Hasselfors Preciform AB was adopted.
In 1990, two companies with their own production of car accessories were acquired: Athlet AB in Eskilstuna, which manufactured load carrier systems (a production process that was later transferred to the plant in Vilsta), and Autoform AB in Malung, where the product range comprises roof boxes and luggage compartment mats. The load carrier systems were subsequently sold to AB Klippan Oy in Finland in 2002.
In 1992, it was decided to split operations into two companies: Calix AB, manufacturing car heating products and load carrier systems, and Preciform AB, handling all subcontracting activities. As a subcontractor, Preciform AB handles manufacturing of pressed products in sheet metal and carries out surface treatment and assembly of electronic products etc.
For more than 20 years, Calix AB has been one of the largest European manufacturers of electrical engine heater systems.
