“Think outside the box – do it yourself”

When tradition meets the future: How Sättraby Verkstad built its own path into the world of laser technology

Sättraby Verkstads AB in Edsbro is not like any other workshop. Beneath the surface of efficient production, advanced sheet metal processing, and an impressive machine park lies a culture where creativity, problem-solving, and genuine craftsmanship permeate every project.

And perhaps that is precisely why a fully functional, self-built R2D2 — complete with movement and sound, and signed by Star Wars legend Tony Dyson — stands in the entrance as a symbol of the company’s mindset: “We’ll figure it out.”

The company’s self-built R2D2 —

a symbol of technical passion and problem-solving spirit.

FROM VILLAGE BLACKSMITH TO MODERN FULL-SERVICE SUPPLIER

The history of Sättraby Verkstad dates back to the 1950s, when Stig Björklund and Lars Trolin began manufacturing roof racks for cars such as VW, Volvo, and SAAB under the name Björklunds Bilprodukter.

In 1970, Sättraby Verkstads AB was established, and the business gradually shifted towards contract manufacturing in thin sheet metal. During the 1980s and 1990s, the company expanded with new machines and a growing customer base.

In 2002, brothers Fredrik and Mattias Trolin took over the business and began — as Fredrik puts it — “focusing on our real needs.”

This marked the beginning of a modernization journey that continues to this day.

Mattias and Fredrik Trolin

A MACHINE PARK In CONSTANT DEVELOPING

Today, the company employs 11 people and offers the entire process chain — from idea to finished product.

The machine park includes:

• 2 laser cutting machines
• 1 punching machine
• 3 press brakes
• 3 welding stations
• Eccentric presses
• 2 tumbling systems
• Assembly department with 6 workstations
• In-house designers + external partners

Customers range from private individuals and contractors to large corporations such as Scania and Siemens, with the majority located in the Stockholm region.

THE NEED FOR LASER TECHNOLOGY - AND THE DESIRE TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN PATH

After many years of punching operations, the need for more precise, flexible, and economically sustainable sheet metal processing grew.

Sättraby was purchasing externally laser-cut parts for increasing annual amounts and realized it was time to bring the technology in-house.

At the beginning of 2024, they purchased their first laser cutting machine — a compact unit with a 1100 × 1100 mm table.

“This was a perfect fit,” says Fredrik.

“We immediately saw the difference the laser made — in precision, flexibility, and the types of jobs we could take on.”

Word spread quickly, and within just a few months, new customers started calling.

MEETING WITH LMI – THE MISSING PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

When Fredrik and Mattias visited ELMIA Welding & Joining 2024, they discovered LMI’s G Weike HS-X3015.

HSG X3015 with a 6 kW laser source

Fredrik Trolin has solved the sheet metal handling together with the staff in his own inventive way.

“The connection with LMI was spot on. The chemistry was there immediately — we were on the same wavelength.”

The deal was finalized during the trade fair, and the installation marked the beginning of a collaboration where both parties found a perfect match.

“The big thing is that we’re extremely satisfied with LMI — small companies working together…”

“You get fast responses from committed people with solid expertise. We really value that.”

— Fredrik Trolin

“WE WANT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OURSELVES” – WHY SÄTTRABY CHOSE LMI AS THEIR SUPPLIER

Sättraby is happy to go against the current. They deliberately chose not to invest in premium manufacturers such as Trumpf, Amada, or Bystronic.

Why?

“A premium machine is often too plug-and-play.

You don’t really learn what’s going on under the hood.”

For Sättraby, that is a disadvantage. They want to:

• understand the technology in depth
• solve problems themselves
• avoid long downtime
• maintain the freedom to customize their machine

“Imagine the machine being down for a week while waiting for a technician.

That would be a disaster for us.”

— Fredrik

Instead, Mattias has become the company’s in-house laser expert — completely self-taught — significantly reducing reliance on external service.

THE RESULT:

MORE CUSTOMERS, HIGHER PRECISION, AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Since investing in laser technology, production has changed dramatically.

• Significantly improved precision
• More advanced geometries
• Thicker materials than before
• More jobs from new customers
• Shorter lead times
• Less post-processing

“Since we got the laser, we’ve had a lot more work coming in.

We’re a bit nerdy — we really enjoy this stuff…”

— Fredrik

Laser technology has opened up a new market for the company — from in-house products to a significantly larger share of contract manufacturing.

THE FUTURE - A JOURNEY THAT HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

Sättraby continues to grow and is now looking for a laser operator to take over parts of the workload from Mattias, allowing him to return to administrative tasks.

They also plan to further expand their machine park and deepen their expertise in laser applications.

“We love problem-solving. Laser technology makes us even better — and even more flexible.”

COMPANY FACTS– SÄTTRABY VERKSTADS AB

Company: Sättraby Verkstads AB

Location: Edsbro, Sweden

Founded: 1970

Employees: 11

Industry: Sheet metal processing, thin sheet metal, contract manufacturing

Capabilities: Laser cutting, punching, welding, bending, design, assembly

LMI machine: G Weike HS-X3015

Installed: 2024

Result: Higher precision, greater flexibility, more customers, improved repeatability

Webpage: https://www.sattrabyverkstad.se/