Looking back on 104 years of dedication to Getinge
After more than a century of joint service, Håkan Persson and Krister Nilsson are preparing to say farewell to Getinge. Having started their careers in the early 1970s, they have witnessed firsthand the evolution of the company, from its early days under Electrolux to the global medtech company it is today. As they approach retirement, they reflect on their journeys, the friendships they have built, and the changes they have experienced along the way.
For over a century combined, Håkan Persson and Krister Nilsson have been Getinge co-workers. Håkan started in 1972, followed by Krister in 1974, when the production site in the village of Getinge, in Southern Sweden, was still owned by Electrolux and employed around 250 people. Håkan began his career in sheet metalwork, later moving to the machine workshop before becoming a repair technician. Krister initially worked a few months before his military service, then returned as a repair technician. Since then, both have enjoyed their dynamic roles, always facing new challenges and opportunities to grow.
Håkan, originally from the village of Getinge, was just 15 years old, soon to be 16, when he began his journey. Looking back, he acknowledges that much of what he knows today was learned on the job. Krister, also from Getinge, started his career at another local company but quickly grew restless and applied to Getinge instead. Both have appreciated the convenience of living close to work, often cycling to the production site, which made Getinge an easy choice.
“When we started, the production site felt more like a workshop,” recalls Krister. “Now it’s much cleaner and more organized. Back then, we didn’t just manufacture sterilizers but also large-scale kitchen equipment.”
Over the years, production methods have evolved significantly, especially with increasing demands for documentation. Håkan and Krister have been part of both the transition to a more structured and documented work environment, and improvements in workplace conditions that prioritize employee well-being.
Now, as they approach retirement, it marks the end of an era. They will both miss the sense of belonging and social aspects of work. Although they have been working part-time for a while, the transition still brings a sense of anticipation.
“It feels a bit uncertain,” admits Krister when asked about life after retirement. Håkan has plans to help his son, who recently bought a house in Halmstad, while Krister will dedicate time to his passion for vintage cars and restoring an old caravan.
After 104 years of combined service, Håkan and Krister will leave a legacy of hard work, adaptability, and friendships forged along the way.
Contact:
Caroline Örmgård, Head of Public & Media Relations
Phone: +46 (0)10 335 0041
Email: caroline.ormgard @getinge.com
About Getinge
With a firm belief that every person and community should have access to the best possible care, Getinge provides hospitals and life science institutions with products and solutions aiming to improve clinical results and optimize workflows. The offering includes products and solutions for intensive care, cardiovascular procedures, operating rooms, sterile reprocessing and life science. Getinge employs approximately 12,000 people worldwide and the products are sold in more than 135 countries.