Celebrating 80 Years of Growth
Derome is Sweden’s largest family-owned wood industry company, founded in 1946. Our value chain, spanning from forest to finished home, is unique and creates opportunities for both our customers and employees.
On April 25, 1946, a handshake sealed Derome’s first timber deal. The boards were sold to a local timber merchant, generating a profit of around SEK 400. A modest sum, but a significant first step in what would become an extraordinary journey for Derome. It was here that the seed was planted for the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterized our family business ever since. Built on trust, strong partnerships, and firm handshakes, we have created the conditions for both people and businesses to grow. Today, we are grateful for many things:
Our employees, because together we build Derome.
Our customers, suppliers, and partners, with whom we grow through close collaboration.
Our timber resources, which form the foundation of our value chain from forest to finished home.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we look back on an eventful period of development, both in society and within our own company. While we are proud of how far we have come, we are even more excited about what lies ahead. With our eyes set firmly on the future, we will continue building Derome together and shaping a future we can all be proud of.
Facts About Derome
- Revenue: SEK 10 billion
- Number of employees: 2,488
- We plant 3.5 million trees every year
- Sweden’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2022
Our Core Values
Our company culture is the foundation of everything we do. It is defined by our core values: long-term thinking, simplicity, drive, and responsibility.
These values have grown out of our history, but they also guide us into the future. They are more than just words; they are principles that guide us every day.
1946 – It All Started with a Village Sawmill
Carpenter Karl Andersson founded Derome in 1946 under the name Derome Sawmill & Timber Trading (Derome Såg & Virkesaffär). He invested his savings in a small village sawmill, aiming to supply local farmers and residents with freshly sawn timber.
In the early years, sawing operations mainly took place during the summer months. During the winter, Karl continued working part-time as a carpenter.
The 1960s – Expanding the Toolbox
The company’s entrepreneurial mindset began to shape its future as customers began demanding a wider range of products than just sawn timber. During the 1960s, the business expanded to include building supplies and materials in addition to timber products.
The product range grew to include everything from hardboard and wood-fibre boards to nails and insulation. Particleboard was also introduced, at the time a new and highly popular product within the industry.
The 1970s – Increasing Production Efficiency
During the 1970s, production volume doubled with the construction of a new saw line in Derome. Shortly thereafter, a planing mill was also built, further expanding the company’s production capacity and product offering.
This decade also marked the start of roof truss manufacturing, followed by the development of a wide range of products and services, from building systems to packaging solutions.
By this time, Derome had established operations across the entire value chain, from forest to finished home.
The 1980s & 1990s – Creating Sustainable Communities
During the 1980s and 1990s, we took the step from individual construction projects to developing entire residential communities. One example was a bold land acquisition made during a deep economic recession, an investment that would lay the foundation for future growth and development.
Today, we build homes and neighborhoods designed to support people through every stage of life.
The 2000s – Rapid Expansion
The turn of the millennium marked the beginning of a new era. The third generation stepped forward to lead the family business and continue investing in its long-term development.
This was followed by a period of significant expansion, during which several new business areas were established. Among the milestones were Woodtec in the Port of Varberg and a volumetric housing factory in Värö.
In the spring of 2025, a new saw line was inaugurated in Derome, increasing production capacity by up to 30 percent and strengthening the company’s position for the future.
2030 – On the Path to Climate Neutrality
Through innovation and collaboration, we are developing the knowledge and solutions needed to achieve our climate goals of becoming climate neutral in our own operations by 2030 and across our entire value chain by 2045.
To achieve this, we work together to develop new ideas and solutions in areas ranging from how we build and heat our homes to how we travel and live our everyday lives. By combining expertise, innovation, and long-term commitment, we are helping create a more sustainable future.