As part of our 70th anniversary celebration, we’re meeting some of the employees who have been our colleagues the longest. Read about their career journeys, experiences, and how the daily work has evolved over the years!
Say hello to Lennarth!
When did you start working at Thomas Betong AB?
1967, at the plants in Stenungsund and Brodalen.
“People enjoy their work and stay for a long time. Today, much has changed, but that commitment remains.”
What was your first role and what is your role today?
“I started as plant operator and sampler. Nowadays, I’m retired, but I’ve done quite a few stints at various plants even after retirement.
What did a typical workday look like for you?
I’ve worked with almost everything – from orders and sampling to concrete mixing and production technology. I was also responsible for the ISO 9000 implementation in the west and held supervisory roles at several plants.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m almost 77 years old, live in Varberg, and enjoy all sports – but especially football. I’ve followed my favorite team, IF Elfsborg, since 1961. I also have a wonderful family and grandchildren I love spending time with.
Tell us about something you’re especially proud to have been part of during your career at the company.
The deliveries to Ringhals are the biggest project I’ve been involved in. We delivered around 700,000 m³ of concrete – 100,000 m³ of which was cooled with ice! We worked in three shifts for eight years, and we even cast slipforms over the weekends.
Share a strong memory from your early years at the company.
A strong memory is that I didn’t have much knowledge about concrete when I started – but that worked itself out over time.
The casting of the Grindtunnel in Hallinden in 1999–2000 also stands out. We used self-compacting concrete – probably for the first time in Sweden. It was a new way of casting, and everything went smoothly thanks to great teamwork.
Tell us about something unexpected that happened during your years at the company – and what it led to.
In 1993, we suddenly had to deliver large volumes of foam concrete at Ringön – 100–200 m³ per day! Together with an inventive blacksmith, we built our own foam machine, and the delivery was a real success.
How would you briefly describe the company when you started working here? What is the biggest change compared to today?
Back then, there was something called the ‘Thomas Betong Spirit’. People enjoy their work and stay for a long time. Today, much has changed, but that commitment remains.
What made you enjoy your work and stay so long?
I enjoyed the variety, the people, and all the exciting projects. And no one got in touch after I started substituting at Ringön in 1982 – so I stayed until retirement!
