This year, Thomas Concrete Group celebrates 70 years young. The company’s story begins with an idea, an entrepreneur, and a big dose of curiosity.
Jan Thomas on the journey, the people, and the future
“According to hearsay, the first batch of concrete rolled out from the plant in Karlstad in the spring of 1955. There was quite a bit of skepticism about how my father would make this profitable,” says Jan Thomas, Vice Chairman of the Board and son of founder Martin Thomas.
After a visit to Germany, Martin had seen new, efficient ways to transport concrete and realized the potential to do it better back home in Sweden. With a focus on innovation, quality, and close customer relationships, the business grew quickly and laid the foundation for the international group that Thomas Concrete Group is today.
“I’m optimistic about the future of concrete, driven by innovation and sustainability.”
“Expanding into different markets was a smart move. It has given us both stability and strength through various economic cycles,” Jan explains.
Jan joined the company in 1982 and worked alongside his father for a few years before taking over as CEO, a role he held for 25 years. The journey has been incredible, he says, and the most rewarding part has been meeting all the people in the organization. Today, he is active on the board and follows the company’s progress with pride.
Throughout its history, the company has maintained its family-oriented culture, a spirit of closeness, responsibility, and long-term thinking that still defines the group. It’s a culture that continues to provide strength as the industry evolves and new opportunities emerge.
“I’m optimistic about the future of concrete. Through research, development, and dedicated employees, Thomas Concrete Group will keep driving the industry forward with the same curiosity that has always defined us,” says Jan.
