HYDRIA WATER'S HISTORY
HIGH TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND IN-HOUSE PRODUCTION CREATE THE BEST WATER TREATMENT ON THE MARKET
Our history spans decades filled with craftsmanship, blacksmithing, engineering, innovation, and strategy. But also with a constant drive and ability to find synergies and unite people and technology toward a common goal — the best water treatment on the market.
"SWEDISH ENGINEERING, SWEDISH PRODUCTION. FOCUS ON WHAT WE DO REALLY WELL."
In a way, the story can be said to begin with the collaboration between the manufacturing blacksmith workshop, Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad, and the engineering company specializing in water and sewage, VA Teknik. For many years, Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad manufactured water treatment machines for VA Teknik, though they had many other customers as well. Among the most notable orders were an elephant gate for Borås Zoo and the “theater bridge,” which still adorns Borås City Park today.
Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad was a well-recognized and skilled craftsmanship company. VA Teknik, on the other hand, was a highly regarded engineering firm, especially known for their nearly indestructible sedimentation scrapers.
In 1996, the two businesses moved into shared premises in Viared. The idea was to further deepen the understanding of and create synergies between each other’s challenges and expertise. From that point forward, the concept has been to combine high technical competence with in-house production, closely connected to one another.
Eventually, the companies merged under the common name Björklundsgruppen AB. By then, they were already part of the Hydria Invest group, which also operated in the ventilation industry. Within the group, there was a strong focus on creating shared processes for functions such as IT and communication. Our early commitment to actively working with technology and communication solutions has come to shape the business moving forward.
In the early 2000s, Björklundsgruppen was dissolved. VA Teknik was revived, with a clear direction: to focus wholeheartedly on what VA Teknik excelled at and was well-known for—chain scrapers and other sedimentation equipment.
In 2015, the company Mellegård & Naij, also active in mechanical water treatment, was acquired. Like VA Teknik, they had a legacy of engineering and in-house production but focused on developing equipment for screening and screening handling. In 2020, the companies secured their first patent under a united banner.
Through this merger, we could now offer a comprehensive solution in mechanical water treatment. To make this clearer, the companies came together in 2022 under a new unified name, Hydria Water.
The combination of the companies’ expertise and skill has proven to be highly successful. Today, Hydria Water is one of the major players in mechanical water treatment.
In 2023, Tobias Barrstrand took over as CEO, marking the company’s transition to being led by the second generation of the Barrstrand family. A significant organizational change was implemented, focusing on building a flatter and more dynamic structure.
Hard work, a strong team spirit, and the combination of advanced technical expertise and solid industrial knowledge made 2023 a record-breaking year in the company’s history. A major triumph was the announcement that Hydria Water had secured a record-breaking contract for a large delivery to the construction of the world’s most modern wastewater treatment plant in Sickla.
Hydria Water is also the first on the market to offer digital solutions integrated into the machines, perfectly aligned with both our heritage and ambitions.
Today, we are a well-established and strong brand in the Nordic market. Our vision remains the same: to combine Swedish ownership, production, and engineering to create the best water treatment on the market.
Being part of the family-owned Hydria Group gives us the ability to work with a long-term focus. Our products are designed to make a difference here and now, but also for future generations. Together with the group’s other companies, we aim to be a part of the infrastructure of tomorrow’s society.
MILESTONES IN OUR HISTORY
1965
As Sweden’s wastewater infrastructure began to expand, there was a significant demand for sedimentation equipment for the newly built treatment plants. In 1965, the engineering company VA Teknik was founded and quickly made a name for itself within the industry.
1994
The Hydria Invest group was formed, consisting of 11 companies within blacksmithing, water and sewage, as well as ventilation, including VA Teknik and Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad. This marked the beginning of what is today Hydria Group.
2001
Mellegård & Naij was founded in Skövde.
Like Björklundsgruppen AB, the company has a long heritage of workshop craftsmanship and engineering. Under the name Mellegård & Naij, equipment for screening and screening handling in mechanical water treatment is designed and manufactured.
2005
The strategy of fully focusing on what they excel at pays off, and VA Teknik grows steadily. Soon, the existing facilities begin to feel cramped and no longer suitable.
To accommodate the growing order volume and prepare for the future, new land is secured in Viared, just outside Borås.
2014
The company Mellegård & Naij, based in Skövde, is acquired. Their strong expertise in screening and screening handling complements VA Teknik, making the combined offering in mechanical water treatment complete.
VA Teknik moves into its newly built facilities in Viared.
2022
2024
Hydria Water is well-established throughout Sweden and is gaining market share in other Nordic countries as well. Demand for our products is also growing beyond the borders of the Nordic region.
1960
AB Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad is founded. The company is a comprehensive workshop and steel construction business that produces various types of sheet metal work on demand.
1986
One of the major clients of Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad is VA Teknik.
VA Teknik primarily designs scrapers for sedimentation basins in water treatment, which are then manufactured and installed by Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad.
VA Teknik quickly becomes well-known and soon establishes itself as a market leader within its niche.
1996
VA Teknik moves in next door to their colleagues at Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad (formerly AB Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad). The idea is to develop and strengthen the collaboration between the companies. This synergy-focused mindset will continue to shape both the company and the group moving forward.
Early on, IT and communication also become important aspects of how the company is managed and developed.
In the late 1990s, the two companies merge under the name Björklundsgruppen AB.
2002
VA Teknik moves in next door to their colleagues at Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad (formerly AB Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad). The idea is to develop and strengthen the collaboration between the two companies, fostering a synergy-focused mindset that will continue to shape both the company and the group moving forward.
Early on, IT and communication also become key components in how the company is managed and developed.
In the late 1990s, the two companies merge under the name Björklundsgruppen AB.
2010
The design of the new facilities begins to take shape. These will house not only a modern production plant but also office spaces and social areas.
2015
Hydria Water is formed as a joint sales company for VA Teknik and Mellegård & Naij.
2023
1960
AB Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad is founded. The company is a comprehensive workshop and steel construction firm that produces various types of sheet metal work on demand.
1965
VA Teknik is founded.
1986
One of the major clients of Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad is the engineering company VA Teknik.
VA Teknik primarily designs scrapers for sedimentation basins in water treatment, which are then manufactured and installed by Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad.
VA Teknik quickly gains recognition and soon becomes a market leader within its niche.
1994
The Hydria Invest group is formed, consisting of 11 companies specializing in blacksmithing, water and sewage, as well as ventilation, including VA Teknik and Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad. This marks the beginning of what is today known as Hydria Group.
1996
VA Teknik moves in next door to their colleagues at Björklunds Mekaniska (formerly AB Tage Björklunds Mekaniska Verkstad). The idea is to develop and strengthen the collaboration between the companies.
In the late 1990s, the two companies merge under the name Björklundsgruppen AB.
A key success factor for the group was that the owners recognized early on the advantages of building a shared IT infrastructure to coordinate the different parts of the business.
2001
Mellegård & Naij is founded in Skövde.
The company designs and manufactures equipment for screening and screening handling in mechanical water treatment.
2002
Björklundsgruppen AB is dissolved, and the engineering company VA Teknik is revived.
At this point, Micael Barrstrand, now the CEO of VA Teknik, sets a new direction and strategy focused on streamlining the business and concentrating solely on the company’s core strengths.
Over the years, VA Teknik has built a strong brand and is often associated with its nearly indestructible plastic chain scraper. The products are well-known in the Scandinavian market and are recognized for their high quality.
2005
The strategy of fully focusing on the company’s core strengths pays off, and VA Teknik grows steadily. Soon, the existing facilities begin to feel cramped and no longer suitable for the business.
To effectively handle the increasing order volume and prepare for the future, new land is secured in Viared, just outside Borås.
2010
The design of the new facilities begins to take shape. These will accommodate both a modern production plant as well as office spaces and social areas.
2014
The company Mellegård & Naij, based in Skövde, is acquired. Like VA Teknik, they also have a legacy of engineering and in-house production but are particularly strong in areas such as screening and screening handling. This complementarity between the two companies creates a comprehensive offering in mechanical water treatment.
VA Teknik’s new facilities in Viared are now ready for occupancy.
2015
Hydria Water is formed as a joint sales company for VA Teknik and Mellegård & Naij.
2016
The collaboration between VA Teknik and Mellegård & Naij intensifies. There are plans to expand operations in Skövde, and in 2018, new land is acquired with the intention of once again building new facilities.
2020
The plans for new construction in Skövde are paused. Instead, it is decided to merge VA Teknik and Mellegård & Naij into a single company under the name Hydria Water AB.
Production in Skövde is moved to Borås, but a competence center remains in Skövde.
The purpose of merging the production and brands is to provide clearer communication to customers and offer a complete solution in sedimentation and mechanical water treatment.
Swedish manufacturing, Swedish ownership, high competence, and a curiosity for the future have always been guiding principles for both companies, now united as one.
2022
To further clarify their comprehensive offering to customers, VA Teknik and Mellegård & Naij merge under the common name Hydria Water AB.
Production in Skövde is relocated to Borås, but a competence center remains in Skövde.
Swedish manufacturing, Swedish ownership, high expertise, and a curiosity for the future have always been guiding principles for both companies, now united as one.
2023
In early 2023, Tobias Barrstrand takes over as CEO, marking the company’s leadership transition to the second generation of the Barrstrand family. A significant organizational restructuring is implemented, focusing on creating a flatter and more dynamic organization.
Hydria Water is well-established across Sweden and is gaining market share in other Nordic countries as well. Demand for our products is also growing beyond the borders of the Nordic region.
