The beginning
The company was founded by Leif Forsström in his home garage in Fristad.
Our history
From humble beginnings in a garage in 1967, Fristad Plast has evolved into a company with approximately 60 employees and three facilities with a production area totalling 10,000 m².
1967
The first factory
1968
Injection moulding
The first injection moulding machine is purchased. In the same year, we also begin manufacturing components for IBM printers.
1976
Lifebuoys
We begin producing lifebuoys developed in collaboration with Trygg-Hansa. This will be the start of a long and evolutionary journey to develop the lifebuoy for contemporary production methods.
1985
Move to Expressvägen
We move to our current location on Expressvägen in Fristad.
1996–1998
Streamlining
We make major investments to streamline production and invest in robots for efficient injection moulding.
1999
Environmental impact assessment and expansion
We conduct our first environmental impact assessment. In the same year, we expand our premises on Expressvägen to provide additional space.
2002
More expansion
Expressvägen is expanded a second time.
2006
Electric machinery installed
Our hydraulic machinery is joined by our first piece of electric machinery. The result is reduced environmental impact thanks to improved energy efficiency and less waste, while improving precision.
2009
For a third time, Expressvägen is expanded.
Yet more expansion
Expressvägen is expanded a third time.
2010
Swedflex – China
Fristad Plast establishes itself in China. To better meet customer demand, we start up the subsidiary Swedflex, which is our factory in China. The business concept is to offer Swedish production in Asia.
2012
RescueLife 247
Fristad Plast launches a new venture in water safety equipment. The RescueLife 247 brand is founded and launched in the Nordic market.
2015
Project with Rise and VGR
Start of a plastic recycling project in collaboration with Rise and the Västra Götaland Region.
2017
Even more expansion
Expressvägen is expanded a fourth time. This time, the expansion includes a brand new conference floor to accommodate all the meeting needs of the growing company.
2019
PCR tests
We start tests with PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic) in production to not only use industrially recycled plastic.
2021
Record growth
Fristad Plast ends the financial year with a record 36% sales growth. This is an impressive achievement made possible by all our dedicated employees during the challenging times of the pandemic.
New look
Fristad Plast presents a new graphic profile, with a new logo and signature colours. The red ring honours our long-standing commitment to life-saving equipment while symbolising our focus on circularity throughout the company.
2022
New factory
Fristad Plast expands (again)! Construction of a second factory in Fristad begins. The facility will be home to the growing logistics operations and expansion of the RescueLife 247 brand.
2024
More recycled plastic
We increase the proportion of recycled materials and environmental plastics in production to a total of approximately 40%.