Swedish coupling systems manufacturer VBG is celebrating its 75th year, writes Peter Brown.
It has grown from a basement in Vänersborg as ‘Vänersborgskopplingen’ with an ambition by founder Herman Krefting to make road transport safer.
Today VBG has evolved into a global industrial group with operations in 15 countries and system solutions used across multiple niches worldwide.
In the 1950s, Swedish industry was expanding rapidly and road transport was increasing. However, serious accidents were common, and Herman Krefting quickly recognised how inadequate drawbar couplings created risks on the roads.
Driven by a strong commitment to improving traffic safety, he developed a solution that soon set a new standard. This ambition—to use technology and quality to create a safer society—has guided VBG Group for three generations and remains at the very core of our business.
Over the decades, VBG Group has grown internationally and today comprises 14 strong brands delivering system solutions of critical importance to society—from safe drawbar couplings to climate systems, mechanical power transmission, energy and shock absorption, automatic tire chains, and sliding roof systems for trucks and railway wagons.
The Group consists of three wholly owned divisions; Truck & Trailer Equipment, Mobile Thermal Solutions, and Ringfeder Power Transmission.
VBG Group includes 39 wholly owned companies in 15 countries and sells in more than 50 markets. The Group has over 2,000 employees who continue to build on the legacy of 1951—always focusing on safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
Anders Erkén, CEO of VBG Group since January 2023, is looking forward to leading the company into the future: “VBG Group continues to invest, grow, and develop our businesses—always with the goal of creating solutions that deliver value for our customers. I am proud of the Group’s history—it proves that our strategy works and that our solutions make a difference in society.
“We will keep moving forward, focusing on developing our companies and growing both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Creating a safer society is, and will remain, our driving force.”
