Östersund's Textile Sector Strengthens Sweden's Defense Preparedness
Östersund's textile companies are enhancing Sweden's defense with innovative solutions and expanding operations.
Key Points
- • Östersund is a hub for textile innovation vital to Sweden's defense.
- • Companies like TeknikKompetens bridge military and industrial needs.
- • Lindevalls and TEKONF are scaling up to meet Armed Forces demands.
- • Growth necessitates more skilled personnel across various fields.
Östersund is establishing itself as a pivotal center for textile innovation and technical development, significantly enhancing Sweden's total defense preparedness as of September 2025. The region is host to a cluster of companies dedicated to meeting military operational requirements, responding to the growing need for rapid and sustainable solutions in defense contexts.
Among these companies, TeknikKompetens i Sverige AB stands out, having played a crucial role in developing Swedish defense materials for over two decades. Johan Plöen, the company’s chairman and co-founder, emphasizes that their military background gives them unique insights into operational needs, facilitating a bridge between the Armed Forces and industrial outputs.
Furthermore, Lindevalls Industri AB and TEKONF AB are key players in the technical confection sector, taking advantage of the exceptional sewing expertise present in Jämtland. Both companies are ramping up production capacity to satisfy the rising demands from the Swedish Armed Forces. TEKONF's Göran Wärdell noted their readiness to handle larger, more complex projects, which reflects the sector’s shift towards advanced defense technologies.
The workforce dynamics are also evolving, as a significant demand for skilled personnel in areas like sewing, logistics, technical development, and project management is anticipated to meet future growth and enhance Sweden's overall defense capabilities. Currently, TeknikKompetens employs 18 people, generating 20 million kronor in revenue, while Lindevalls has 35 employees with revenues of 40 million kronor. TEKONF, established in 2012, reports 35 employees and revenue of 60 million kronor, showcasing the economic vitality of this sector amidst the changing security landscape.