Mats explained that in Mölndal they work in the specialist areas of heat treatment and forging, surface treatment, sheet metal forming and bonding. They also offer comprehensive test and analytical services within these areas. IVF is passionate about development within the automotive industry, on both the heavy and light vehicle sides, according to Mats. The facility in Mölndal works on the development of surface treatments and mixed materials, which entails combining materials of different types such as steel and composites. “It's a matter of making them bond to get the characteristics we're striving for. Increased strength and lower weight are always in demand," Mats tells us. Few of us realize that the automotive industry is a huge exporter of textile products via vehicle interiors. IVF is currently busy creating natural fibers that can replace oil-based materials in vehicle interiors. The car industry combines many materials, and welding has been the main technology here. But new materials and technologies mean that adhesive bonding is becoming much more attractive as a method, and IVF is driving development projects forward. Work environment issues, ceramics for high temperature applications and advanced production techniques are all areas where IVF enjoys expertise.

“We also hope to become an advanced research resource for small and medium-sized companies" informs Mats. “This is a fabulous opportunity for Sweden. Our safety, energy and environmentally conscious mindset opens up major development areas for new, improved products." China can't make everything. Mats enumerates exciting areas in which Sweden has a leading position such as hybrid technology for heavy vehicles, ceramics, battery technology and biofuels. Sweden has the potential to become a major player in the necessary technological development, and IVF has the expertise and resources to help the entire process along, from start to finish. “There's always a way of doing things better," concludes Mats Lundin, CEO, Swerea IVF in Mölndal.

 
Gothenburg, September, 2011
Hans Nyman, Automotive Sweden