The roots of our Swedish branch stretch far beyond this anniversary. Originally founded as a one-man business by Arne Martensson under the name Utildi, Utildi – a trading company specialising in various industrial goods – had close ties with the locally well-established screen printing industry right from the start. This sector relied on high-quality meshes – and so a close partnership with BOPP developed early on in the company’s history. From then on, BOPP was represented on the Swedish market. The company has always been based in Laholm. A charming town on Sweden’s west coast, known for its historic buildings, peaceful river (famous for salmon fishing), and the long sandy Mellbystrand beach only a short bike ride away. Surrounded by fields and open landscapes, the BOPP office sits in the local industrial zone, perfectly positioned to serve customers throughout the Nordic market.

However, Utildi’s development was significantly shaped by another key figure: our very own Ulla Holmkvist, who can now look back on an impressive 40 years of service. Having started out in sales at Utildi, it was she who, during a turbulent and uncertain period, forged the crucial links with BOPP’s management and paved the way for a takeover by BOPP. After numerous intensive discussions, a great deal of brainstorming during the contract negotiations and – as they say – even more cigarettes smoked by Peter Bopp, our company owner at the time, nothing stood in the way of the rebranding to BOPP Utildi.

Ulla Holmkvist was appointed General Manager and, together with her team, managed the company so effectively that the investment had paid for itself in less than five years.

I think, being a woman and travelling to see customers and being at exhibitions was quite unusual when I did it. That might be the reason why customers still remember me and sometimes sends regards.

Ulla Holmkvist. Former Managing Director/Board Member

The broad product portfolio consisted largely of BOPP metal meshes. Existing partnerships with Wire Belt for conveyor belts and synthetic meshes for more price-sensitive and less demanding screen-printing customers still exist in part today. Above all, the good relationship with a major customer was a key factor in the company’s success. Before its acquisition, Gambro manufactured machines for patients with lung problems. At that time, BOPP Utildi supplied medical stripes for cleaning the machines.

My heart belongs to BOPP. 40 years is a long time!

Ulla Holmkvist. Former Managing Director/Board Member

With the increasing number of cross-regional enquiries extending beyond the Swedish market, the desire arose to broaden the BOPP Group’s local presence accordingly. Today, the company – now renamed BOPP Scandinavia – is active across the entire Nordic market and is a reliable partner for our customers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

We look back with pride on BOPP Scandinavia’s past 20 years and would like to thank all our staff, partners and customers who have accompanied and shaped our journey. Together, we look forward to many more successful years ahead. Our team welcomes all enquiries and is on hand to assist you.

Ulla Holmkvist with her son Jonas, who has been appointed to the board of directors.