From AB Inventing to UMV Coating Systems – An Interview with Hans Kringstad
Talking to Hans Kringstad is like leafing through a living chapter of industrial history. As one of the founding figures of AB Inventing that later developed into UMV Coating Systems, Hans has been part of the company since its very beginning and served as President for several years.
Now, in his later years, he is capturing the Company´s remarkable story in a forthcoming book – one that highlights not only the company’s technological breakthroughs but also the people, passion, and spirit of innovation that have led to UMV from the start.
Over the decades, Hans has witnessed the evolution of coating technology first-hand – from the pioneering years in Dals Långed to today’s cutting-edge solutions in Säffle. His journey is one of engineering excellence, leadership, and lifelong curiosity.
How did your journey in the industry begin?
”I trained as a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in Norway and came to Sweden at the age of 27 to work at Långedsverken in Dals Långed, where I was responsible for the coating division. It was an exciting period in which I learned a great deal. It was also there that I met Hans Wallstén, who would later play a decisive role in my career.”
When did you first come into contact with the company that today is known as UMV Coating Systems?
”It was in the late 1960s when Hans Wallstén began talking about starting a company focused on coating and surface treatment. He had many ideas and a clear vision. The new company was named AB Inventing and was established in Säffle. One day he asked if I wanted to come and work there – and of course, I did. I started in 1969 as a sales and service engineer. When Hans Wallstén later moved to Switzerland, I was given the opportunity to take over as President. This was in 1975, and I was relatively young at the time, but it was a fantastic opportunity. I remained in the position until 1979, and it was a period of great development and progress.”
What happened after your time at AB Inventing?
”After 1979, I took on other roles at other companies. During the 1990s, I ran my own consultancy in Malmö for a time, but when the opportunity arose to return to UMV, then named BTG Coating Systems, I accepted. In 1991 I became Vice President with responsibility for the coating division within BTG and stayed until 1998, when I retired.”
What was it that drew you back to the company?
”Above all, the culture. UMV has always had a unique spirit of innovation and forward thinking. There was – and still is – a strong desire to experiment, to think freely, and to find original solutions. That was something I wanted to be part of again.”
After retiring, you were asked to write a book about From AB Inventing to UMV Coating systems– why was that?
”It was the Säffle Local Heritage Society that approached me. They had already published books about the histories of other Säffle companies and thought it would be a good idea to document UMV’s journey as well. After some reflection, I agreed, realising how important it was to tell the story of the people behind the company – those whose curiosity and drive made UMV what it is today.”
What is the book about, and when will it be published?
”The book describes the company, the people, and the innovations that have shaped UMV over the years. I wanted to show that the company’s success is not only about technology – it’s about a culture of creativity and persistence. UMV has always had something out of the ordinary, an innovative energy that drives both people and technology forward. Together with others, I have been working on the book for over ten years now – it’s a major project – but we are aiming to have it finished around the turn of the year.”