Our History
Four centuries of craftsmanship, forged into the future. From our origins in 1656 to becoming the world’s first climate-neutral forge in 2026, we have never stopped refining the art of Swedish steel.
A legacy in motion
Four centuries of Swedish industrial steel.
The story of Björneborg Steel is a journey of continuous adaptation. For nearly 370 years, we have transformed raw materials into high-precision forged components, navigating shifts in technology, energy resources, and global markets without ever losing our core focus on craftsmanship.
What began with water-powered hammers along the Vismen stream has evolved into an integrated engineering hub. By keeping our complete production chain—from the raw steel melt shop to final precision machining—on a single site, we honor our historical roots while leading the global heavy forging industry into a sustainable future.
1656
Our story begins.
Application for authorization to construct a hammer. 1661, Alderman Olof Person received the privilege to construct two hammers by the stream Vismen in Björneborg.
1660-1850
Natural resources – essential for the production.
From 1650 and 200 years forward the ironworks in Björneborg were dependent on natural resources, forest to produce charcoal, ore to make iron and flowing water to give power to the hammer.
1759
Björneborg Manor house.
The Scana owned Björneborg Manor house was built in 1759, right next to the plant and got its present appearance in 1840. Today the manor house is used for representation and meetings with our customers.
1870
The foundry – today a closed chapter.
Interior photo from the old foundry in Björneborg. The foundry emerged to provide the production with spare parts for equipment and machines. Today the foundry is a closed chapter.
1898
Hard work – large products.
The picture is taken in front of the old forge in Björneborg and the shaft weighs approximately 15 tons. In 1898, a 15 ton shaft was very large and heavy. Today, we see differently on the weight.
1919
Stock certificate.
The business was at this time owned by ”Björneborgs Jernverks AB”. On the certificate you can see bears, bears that are a part of an amazing legend about a bear that wanders into the forge in Björneborg.
1956
Long experience of complex products.
The Machine shop in Björneborg 1956. Proud operators next to Crank shafts of different sizes.
1993
Scana Industries buys Björneborgs Järnverk.
A new chapter begins. The Norwegian industrial group with head quarters in Stavanger acquired Björneborgs Järnverk. In the following years, business developed very positively.
2009
Oil & Gas focus begins.
The company Scana Subsea establishes. Focus is on sale and production of oil & gas products.
2011
Establishment of Scana Machining.
Scana buys the property of the liquidated Axcel Components in Kristinehamn. The company has a history that dates back more than 355 years.
2013
Establishment of Scana Steel.
Scana Steel Björneborg, Scana Machining and Scana Subsea becomes a part of Scana Steel. One hub of technical know-how, engineering capacity, product development and production.
2019 –
Björneborg Steel is established.
fter a reconstruction and change of ownership Björneborg Steel is born. Björneborg Steel is a product and complete forging solution supplier, including project management, production and quality assurance. Do you want to join us on the road ahead?
Be part of our next chapter.
From a historical Swedish ironworks to the world’s first climate-neutral forge, our journey has always been defined by the partners and clients we support. Whether you have a specific technical inquiry or want to discuss how our long-term expertise can strengthen your supply chain, our teams in Björneborg and Kristinehamn are here to help. Reach out to us today to start the conversation.