Sunfab Celebrates 100 Years of History and Innovation

This year, Sunfab celebrates its 100th anniversary, a milestone marking a century of development and innovation. Founded in 1925 by Eric Sundin in Arbrå, Hälsingland, the company has grown from a small ski manufacturer into a leading player in hydraulics, with customers and users all over the world. 

From Skis to Hydraulics – An Extraordinary Journey

Eric Sundin started his business as a ski manufacturer under the name Sundins. His skis quickly caught the attention of the Swedish military, which became a key customer. After a fire in 1927, production was moved to Hudiksvall, where the company continued to grow. 

Eric was an innovator at heart and patented several inventions, including a hydraulic glue press that streamlined ski production. During the 1940s, the business expanded, and Sunfab began developing hydraulic solutions for heavy machinery and transport. 

The major breakthrough came in 1947, when Eric Sundin and his team created the world’s first mobile hydraulic crane. This invention paved the way for HIAB (Hydrauliska Industriaktiebolaget) and revolutionized cargo handling worldwide. Development moved rapidly and, to improve the performance of the hydraulic system, better pumps were needed. Eric Sundin was deeply involved in the development of the first hydraulic piston pump, Sunfab, launched in 1954. 

A Strong Position in the Global Market

By the 1960s, Sundins had become one of the world’s largest ski manufacturers. At the same time, demand for Sunfab pumps and HIAB cranes continued to grow steadily. It became too much for one family to manage. In 1965, HIAB was sold to an investment company. 

In the 1980s, the popularity of cross-country skiing increased on the continent, and competition in ski manufacturing intensified. This eventually led to the discontinuation of ski production. Sundins Fabriker then changed its name to Sunfab Hydraulics AB and entered a new era focused on hydraulic pumps and motors. Since then, Sunfab has continued to grow. Today, more than 40,000 pumps and motors are delivered every year to customers across the globe. 

A Global Company with Local Roots

With exports to more than 60 countries, Sunfab is today a global leader in hydraulics. At the same time, the company has maintained strong local roots in Hudiksvall, where all manufacturing and development take place in modern facilities. This local presence is a key part of Sunfab’s success and ongoing innovation. 

Eric Sundin’s Legacy Lives On

Sunfab’s history is a journey of constant innovation and entrepreneurship, inspired by Eric Sundin’s original ideas and vision. The company’s culture is still shaped by his spirit, along with a drive to continuously develop, think in new ways, and set ambitious goals. 

Sunfab now looks to the future, continuing to develop solutions that meet market demands for sustainability and efficiency. 

This year, 100 years after Eric started his business, we celebrate this anniversary together with our employees, customers, and the entire Hudiksvall community. We look back on the past century and look forward with excitement to the next 100 years.