A bit delayed due to the pandemic, the day finally came: the day when Kongamek’s founder Paul Haglund chose to let the next generation take over.

Childhood memories tend to stick and affect you as an adult. This is definitely the case with the Haglund siblings.

Kongamek was only one year old when Johanna was born. Three years later her little brother was born. And from the very beginning they toddled around dad’s desk at work.

It has never been obvious that the siblings would take over. Over the year Paul Haglund was approached by several interested buyers.

- Had I sold the company I would have received a lot of money, but it is worth more for me to see Kongamek develop and grow in the future. That feels great, he says.

Young but experienced

Both Jonathan and Johanna have looked forward to be able to take over and put their mark on the company. And if someone has thought that they have been sitting and twiddling their thumbs waiting to take over, think again. Both siblings have been working in the company in different roles since their teens, first during their summer holidays and later in the regular workforce.

- We have both taken the long road within the company. To have knowledge about the different processes in various departments enables us to streamline the processes better than if we had never set foot there, says Jonathan

In the role as CEO he focuses on internal processes, the production, warehouse and logistics in order to improve the efficiency. Johanna dedicates her time to business development, sustainability issues and the relationship with our co-workers. An employment with Kongamek should mean more than a paycheck at the end of the month, being part of the group and the possibility to personal development are also important factors.

Delayed Change

The process for the change in ownership started already in 2019 but was put on hold when the Pandemic hit us. According to Jonathan this was actually something positive amongst all the negative things that the pandemic brought.

- We have had a longer transition period than we counted with and this have enabled us to grow into our new roles in a good way. This has been positive for both of us and the company. Together with all of our co-workers we stand in front an exciting tomorrow and I look forward to taking new steps within our business, says the new CEO.

With the new generation taking over, Paul Haglund enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle. Should the “Kongamek urge” become too strong, he can always pay a visit to the children’s desks at the office.