Ljungby Maskin AB started its operations in 1983 when Rune Andersson designed and built his first wheel loader. Since then, over 5000 machines have been manufactured in the 40,000 sqm factory in Ljungby. Most machines are sold in Sweden, but an increasing proportion are exported. Today, the company has 125 employees and manufactures around 200 wheel loaders per year.
Continuous development
The fact that production takes place in Ljungby Maskin’s own factory and that the company is relatively small creates control and flexibility. On a visit to the factory, one quickly senses the entrepreneurial spirit of the company. New ideas are discussed and can be tested quickly, not least by the founder and CEO Rune Andersson. For Rune, safety is most important and has been the driving force behind the development of high-quality customized wheel loaders that optimize productivity, comfort and safety.
"We are constantly questioning solutions, checking and optimizing to become even safer. I want the driver to be safe, and it must be safe to meet the standards of a Ljungby machine," says Rune.
The machines are also continuously developed based on customer-specific adaptations and practical solutions that emerge in cooperation with customers.
"The development has evolved from specialized machines to today's more all-around machines with high comfort and more equipment. At all times, however, quality is central. Our machines must be safe and rolling for many years. So each component must be carefully selected and tested," says Bengt Johansson, Development Manager at Ljungby Maskin AB.
Good dialogue and closeness are crucial
Ljungby Maskin produces most of their own components, but some are purchased from carefully selected suppliers. The collaboration with HydraSpecma started in 2003 and covers valves and steering orbitrols. The relationship and proximity to HydraSpecma's site with its warehouse, expertise and support in Ljungby are key factors for the long-term collaboration.
"We have a very good dialogue with HydraSpecma. And that has been extra important now, as we have had problems with deliveries of a certain component. Regular status updates and quick responses have enabled us to maintain control and manage production without delaying deliveries," says Carina Nilsson Purchasing Manager at Ljungby Maskin AB.