Together we continue strengthening the industry of the future
“We are proud and delighted to share that Ovako has been named a Career Company for the fourth consecutive year. For us, this recognition is more than just an award — it is proof of the work we do together every day, at every site and in every team. At Ovako, we want people to grow, feel secure, and have the freedom to explore their curiosity. Our employees are the heart of our business, and it is their commitment that enables us to keep developing a sustainable and innovative industry. Thank you for driving us forward. Together, we create steel for a decarbonized society”.
"At Ovako, we want people to grow, feel secure, and have the freedom to explore their curiosity."
A recognition of long-term employer branding efforts
The Career Company designation is based on an extensive review of nearly 2,000 employers and is awarded to organizations that offer unique career and development opportunities. Ovako has repeatedly been recognized for its inclusive culture, strong sense of purpose, and ability to combine technology, sustainability, and personal development.
In recent years, we have continued to strengthen:
- training programs, networks, and mentoring
- local initiatives focused on leadership, safety, and knowledge-sharing
- a clearer expression of The Ovako Way, our shared direction and values
- efforts to increase the proportion of women in the industry and build an even more inclusive culture
Being named a Career Company again in 2026 reflects our continued development — both centrally and locally — where every site contributes in its own way.
Anna Thorslund, CPO Ovako
Arun Thakur – Section Manager, Billet Hall, Hofors Rolling Mill
Arun leads a team of process operators and describes Ovako as a workplace where responsibility and development go hand in hand.
What does a typical day look like for your team in the Billet Hall?
A typical day can vary greatly because we work with both internal and external customers. Our internal customers include the Tube & Ring production units and the Hällefors flow. Among our external customers are companies such as Madinger/Schaeffler, Hot Roll, and La Foulerie.
We actively contribute to various development projects, such as the development of Hybrid Steel®. We also support the reliability of the new VTD facility by taking samples for laboratory analysis and evaluating material using mechanical inspection and ultrasonic testing — helping us identify surface, subsurface, and central defects.
Which competencies do you consider most important in production today?
Today’s production is far more technology-intensive due to high automation and the use of digital systems to guide operations toward our key performance indicators. This requires a significantly higher level of technical expertise than 10–20 years ago.
But competence is not only about technology. We also place great emphasis on personal qualities. As the saying goes: recruitment is not about finding the most qualified person available, but the right person.
How do you work with safety and daily improvements?
Safety and improvements are always top priorities. Safety is a standing item at our daily morning meetings. We also follow an EHS (Environment Health & Safety) plan, which we review every Tuesday, and each Wednesday we hold a cross-functional meeting to discuss risk observations, near misses, and incidents.
For improvements, we collaborate with R&D, the technical team, and external partners such as Swerim and universities. The development of the next generation of bearing steel, BQ 2.0, is one example where we continue working closely with research, technology, and customers.
What makes you most proud in your role as Section Manager?
I am proud of my work because I can contribute to a better future. The Billet Hall played a key role in evaluating hydrogen for steel heating prior to rolling.
As Section Manager, I also get to work in cross-functional teams — involving technology, research, customer technical support, and marketing. I really enjoy my role because I like challenges and want to continue learning and developing.
Lucas Karlsson – Group Business Controller, Stockholm
Lucas works closely with key functions across the business and describes the mix of an international industrial environment and close collaboration as something unique.
What do you find most stimulating about working so close to so many parts of the company?
What I find most stimulating is how close I get to the entire business — from production at our sites to corporate strategic decisions here in Stockholm. It’s a rare combination of an international industrial setting and very close day-to-day collaboration, and that mix suits me well.
Working in a company with Japanese owners also means meeting colleagues with different perspectives and ways of working. I learn a lot from how our Japanese colleagues think and reason, and I genuinely appreciate the constructive exchange between different approaches. It makes the work feel both developing and enjoyable.
How does your work contribute to Ovako’s long-term development?
As a Group Business Controller, I contribute by producing analyses and insights that support well-founded decision-making. Much of my work involves creating a clear and shared view of how the business is developing financially and what drives profitability in both the short and long term.
I also focus on improving systems and processes so that we can work more efficiently and spend more time on value-creating analysis. The long-term perspective is reinforced by our Japanese ownership structure, where stability and quality over time are central — something I believe is very positive for Ovako’s continued development.
How do you experience the collaboration between headquarters and the sites?
I would describe the collaboration as open, unpretentious, and highly educational. The sites have deep expertise and a practical understanding of operations that are invaluable to my work. Our dialogue is direct and constructive, making my work both more relevant and more meaningful.
There is also an international dimension where our Japanese colleagues contribute additional perspectives. This creates an environment where different cultures and working methods meet in a way that truly enriches collaboration. It gives a dynamic that I think is quite unique to Ovako.
What would you say to someone early in their career who is considering a path in industrial economics with us?
I would say that Ovako is a workplace where you can grow quickly while working on issues that truly matter. The role is broad, the responsibility is significant, and you get close to the business from day one.
What makes the company particularly interesting is the combination of an international ownership structure and a Swedish culture that is collaborative and warm. Working at the intersection of analysis, strategy, and business decision-making — while contributing to the green transition of the steel industry — makes the work both inspiring and meaningful.
Melina Thidé – EHS Coordinator, Smedjebacken
Melina has worked at Ovako for several years and is driven by the opportunity to help build a safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive workplace. In her role as EHS (Environment Health & Safety) Coordinator, she works closely with operations and sees how small improvements in daily routines can make a big difference for everyone working in production.
What inspired you to pursue a career in EHS, and why Ovako?
I’ve worked at Ovako for about seven years, and during that time I’ve come to know both the business and production very well. Just over six months ago, I had the opportunity to take on the role of EHS Coordinator, which felt like a natural next step.
What drew me to EHS was the chance to contribute to an even safer and more sustainable workplace. It feels meaningful to work on issues that have such a direct impact on colleagues and the everyday work environment.
Can you share an initiative or change you’re particularly proud to have contributed to?
I’ve only been in the role a short time, so it’s hard to point to one specific initiative. But I’m proud of the daily work with the Section Managers and how we collaborate to build safe routines. Continuous safety improvements are something I’m truly passionate about.
Industry is traditionally male‑dominated — how has your experience been as a woman in the sector and in your role?
It’s true that industry has traditionally been male‑dominated, but my experience has been positive. I have worked at Ovako for several years and have always felt respected in my roles. For me, it’s much more about competence and collaboration than gender.
At the same time, I believe it’s important that more women join the industry. Different perspectives improve the work environment and strengthen the business.
Have you had role models at Ovako, and how do you work to inspire more women to join?
A role model for me since the start has been Therese Willysdotter. When I first joined Ovako, she was my closest Section Manager, and I experienced her as a very caring, supportive, and accessible leader. I’m really looking forward to working in the same team as her again.
To inspire more women, I believe it’s important to showcase the opportunities within industry and highlight different career paths. An inclusive environment and visible role models make a big difference for helping more women feel that they belong in the sector.
How have you developed since joining Ovako?
Since joining Ovako, I’ve become more confident, taken on more responsibility, and become more engaged in safety, work environment, and improvement initiatives. Today, I feel I’ve grown into someone who not only identifies risks but also works more systematically to prevent them and drive safety dialogue across the organization.
What do you hope to contribute to the coming years?
I want to help create an even better and safer work environment where everyone feels secure and involved in safety efforts.
When do you feel most proud in your work?
I feel most proud when I see that our work in safety and work environment makes a difference in everyday life — for example, when a risk is addressed or when employees start raising safety issues and suggesting improvements themselves. Moments like these clearly show that our efforts are making the workplace safer.