Three days, three different occasions and many visitors. When EWES invited people to its new premises in Bredaryd, the days were filled with meetings, conversations and curiosity – from the tradespeople behind the extension and rebuild to the local business community and almost 300 visitors at Saturday's open house.
After an extensive extension and rebuild, EWES has new premises that create better conditions for both today's operations and the future. On 13–15 August it was time to open the doors and let more people see the result.
Backstage passes for everyone invited to the EWES VIC evening (Very Important Craftsmen)
An evening for those who made it possible
First up were the tradespeople who had worked on the extension and rebuild. On the evening of Thursday 13 August, around 40 people gathered at EWES for an evening that was both a thank-you for their efforts and an opportunity to see the finished result.
In glorious sunshine and real summer warmth, Wernamo Food & Event served grilled burgers out in the car park. Svenstigs was also there with several car models for anyone who wanted to take the opportunity for a test drive.
Of course, there was also a tour of the newly built premises – this time for many of those who had themselves helped turn drawings and plans into reality.
Book lunch on leadership and communication
On Friday, the activities continued with a book lunch at EWES. The guest of the day was Bredaryd-born Stefan Lorentzson, author and experienced international leader with a long career in the Volvo Group behind him. There he worked with communication, marketing, brand building and international relations, among other things, and headed the group's EU office in Brussels and its North America office in New York.
Under the heading “Kind leadership is the new tough!”, Stefan talked with Lars Alkner, Head of Culture at Värnamo Municipality, about his latest book 'Communications in change, for change!' and about how leadership and communication need to develop in an era of constant change, digitalisation and AI.
For the participants, the lunch was an opportunity to hear about Stefan's experiences from a long international career, but also to network and get a tour of EWES' new premises.
More than 300 visitors when the doors opened to everyone
On Saturday 15 August it was time for the week's grand finale. EWES opened its doors to everyone who wanted to come and visit – neighbours, families, customers, suppliers, former employees and others curious about what actually goes on inside the walls of EWES in Bredaryd.
And interest was high. During the day, more than 300 people found their way to EWES!
Visitors were given a tour both of the new premises and on into production, which was in full swing. Here they could see up close how springs are made and gain an insight into a business that has been in Bredaryd since 1935.
For the younger visitors – and perhaps the odd adult – there were balloons and temporary tattoos. And no real celebration is complete without cake: of course, coffee and princess cake were served.
The weather also showed its best side and contributed to a day with lots of people, many meetings and a lovely atmosphere both inside and out.
