Family ties - Meet the Gunnarsson family
Svensson has many loyal workers. And sometimes entire families who work at the company. Thomas Gunnarsson’s co-workers include his brother, son and son-in-law, and even members of their families.
The problem-solver
Thomas Gunnarsson, 57 years old
What do you do at Svensson?
I work in quality control in the weaving department. If there is an error in production, it is my job to try to figure out and then fix what happened. For example, if there are streaks in the fabric it could be down to several things. It may require a little detective work, but over the years I have gained so much experience that I often know what the problem is immediate.
I also train new staff.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I have been working in the textile industry since 1976, but came to Svensson in 2005, a little after Marks Pelle Vävare was purchased by Svensson.
What do you like best about your job?
I like to solve problems and we work well together here. I also think that our employer cares about the wider community, not just about those of us who work here.
What do you like best about your hometown?
I live in Fritsla, a small village outside Kinna. It is calm and beautiful there.
Supervisor
Assar Gunnarsson, 67 years old, Thomas’s big brother
What do you do at Svensson?
I retired three years ago, but before that, I was a supervisor in the weaving department. My job was to make sure that everything ran smoothly. It was a management role with responsibility for personnel and such.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I also worked at Marks Pelle Vävare. When Svensson took over I ended up at the factory in Kinna. The then supervisor was just about to retire, and because I had that role at Marks Pelle Vävare, I got the job.
What did you like best about your job?
The most satisfying part was when you felt everything was in sync.
What do you like best about your hometown?
I come from Kinna and like it here. It is nice not living in a big town.
Electrician
Mikael Gunnarsson, 32 years old, Thomas’s son
What do you do at Svensson?
I’m an electrician and electrical supervisor and oversee the work we do here. That could be a machine malfunctioning, electrical work in the properties Svensson owns, or renovations in the factory. I’m also involved in building new machines.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I had work experience here in secondary school, and after that, I was asked if I wanted to stay on. That was 2004, so before my dad started here. In 2015, I was made electrical supervisor.
What do you like best about your job?
The variety. There is always something unexpected that comes up. It is also a safe place to work.
What do you like best about your hometown?
It is a great place for kids to grow up. Quiet and safe.
Weaving operator
Pontus Karlsson, 27 years old, Married to Thomas’s niece, who is also Michael’s cousin
What do you do at Svensson?
I’m a weaving operator, which means keeping an eye on all the weaving machines. If a thread breaks, it is my job to fix it. Everything needs to keep moving – the machines should never stand still. For big problems, I call Thomas.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I previously worked as a weaver at Kasthall here in Kinna. They had to let some of their employees go and agreed to let Svensson “borrow” us. After a while, I got a permanent position here. I started in November 2016.
What do you like best about your job?
It is fun finding solutions when problems arise. And I get along well with my colleagues.
What do you like best about your hometown?
I am not actually from here. I grew up in Ulricehamn. But I have lived here almost half my life now and think it is great.
Weaving technician
Sebastian Axell, 34 years old, Thomas’s son-in-law
What do you do at Svensson?
I’m a weaving technician, but I’m training to become a production technician. A weaving technician makes sure the weaving machines are in good working order and fixes the machines when something goes wrong. As a production technician, I will be involved in finding smarter, faster and safer ways of working. The training takes place four days a week in Borås, and it feels good to get that experience.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I saw an advertisement in the paper and applied. After two interviews I got the job. That was in 2010.
What do you like best about your job?
Here you will get an opportunity if you are willing to take it. There is also the challenge in getting the machines to work as well as possible.
What do you like best about your hometown?
It is close to Borås and Gothenburg. And there is peace and quiet in Fritsla, where I live.
Filler
Victor Axell, 27 years old, Thomas’s son-in-law Sebastian’s little brother
What do you do at Svensson?
I’m a filler in the knitting department, where we produce climate screens. I refill the material in the machines and set them up to make different types of screens.
How did you end up at Svensson?
I was tipped off by my brother who already worked here. Now I’m in my fifth year.
What do you like best about your job?
The variety and a strong sense of comradeship.
What do you like best about your hometown?
I live close to work and close to Gothenburg.