A very interesting story about creative entrepreneurs who achieve wonders by evolving their business model when circumstances change. The author – a researcher who is truly familiar with the everyday life of enterprises – gives us an insider’s view of the importance of entrepreneurship for innovation and growth. It is probably not – as many politicians seem to believe – research alone that creates successful growth companies, it is more a question of persistent daily work. I hope those who set the conditions for enterprise will read this book.
Rune Andersson, Entrepreneur and former Chairman of Electrolux, Trelleborg and Getinge
The Camfil Story is not a tale of praise – it is a textbook describing the strategic challenges that an entrepreneur-driven company faces. I have been a member of Camfil’s board and I have also gotten to know the author through other channels. I am deeply impressed by his ability to describe a complex development process in such an interesting and accessible way. This book provides insights and useful knowledge to readers in both the academic and business communities.
Carl Bennet, Chairman and principal owner of Getinge, Lifco and Elanders
The book describes how an industrial company develops into a world-leading group. It is a document of how times change and how a company’s development is interlaced with political currents in an interesting way. But most of all, the book illustrates the importance of having far-sighted owners with the ability to change and think differently. New product and market opportunities are leveraged, new knowledge is integrated and expanded, and new ownership structures are developed. I warmly recommend this book. It is an excellent introduction to the subject of industrial economics and management.
Pontus Braunerhjelm, Professor and Head of the Department of Industrial Economics and Management, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm
With a unique combination of broad general understanding of industry, deep specific knowledge of Camfil and diplomatic flair, Eric Giertz has written the true story of an incredible company that I had the privilege to know from the inside for more than a decade.
Arne Karlsson, who serves on the boards of several family-owned companies, including Ratos, a Swedish private equity firm
Professor Eric Giertz gives the reader a lively portrayal of entrepreneurship, market challenges and opportunities. The book is an exciting story about the entrepreneurs, the owners and their inner circles. It will be a valuable tool in teaching and an interesting and thought-provoking contribution to family company research in the field of Swedish corporate history. With this book, professor Giertz has contributed new and important knowledge about management and business history.
Professor Jan Ottosson, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University
Eric Giertz writes about the histories of companies in a way that captivates the reader. He emphasizes the role of people and makes it a living story. He also gives a welcomed illustration of the long-term thinking that characterizes many industrial owners. For Camfil, as for Scania, success and a strong brand are the result of creating value for customers in a sustainable way. We have a lot to learn from history and the book gives us insight into the type of customer-focused thinking that characterizes many of Sweden’s global engineering companies.
Leif Östling, Head of Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles and Vice Chairman of Scania
