During the late 1940s, the company continued to develop its capabilities in high-performance wire. New demands, particularly from office machines and emerging technologies, required finer and more precise materials.
In 1948, a new fine wire drawing facility was established. This made it possible to produce thinner piano wire used in springs for office machines. Part of the production was also used for tone wire—an early component in magnetic recording technology. Although tone wire production ended in 1952, it reflected the company’s ability to adapt to new and evolving markets.
At the same time, a much larger shift was underway.
During the 1950s, the automotive industry expanded rapidly. As cars became more common, the demand for reliable engine components increased—and with it, the need for high-quality valve spring wire.
Garphyttan had already built strong capabilities in this area.
Building on decades of experience, the company expanded its production capacity to meet growing demand. Step by step, the focus on advanced spring wire became stronger, and the company further developed its role as a supplier to the growing automotive industry.
This was also a period of significant investment.
The fine wire drawing facility was expanded in 1955, and new office space was added in 1956 to support the growing organization. Over several decades, the company also invested in housing for employees, reflecting the close connection between the company and the local community.
The pace of development increased further in the 1960s.
Production was increasingly centered around valve spring wire, alongside growing volumes of piano wire—particularly for the American market. At the same time, the industrial site in Garphyttan expanded significantly. New production facilities were added, including a second piano wire drawing mill (P2), testing and packing facilities, and new heat treatment capabilities.
Infrastructure was also modernized. In 1962, the nearby road was rerouted around the industrial area, allowing transports to take place within the industrial site rather than across public roads.
In 1960, another milestone was reached.
Part of the company was offered to the public, and in 1961 AB Garphytte Bruk was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. While the majority ownership remained within companies controlled by Enskilda Banken, the listing marked an important step in the company’s development and visibility.
By 1966, the company had grown significantly.
The company had grown to 650 employees, with annual deliveries reaching 14,500 tons. From its early beginnings, Garphyttan had developed into a modern industrial company with increasing scale, stronger capabilities, and a clearer focus.
Looking back, these two decades were about scaling up.
From post-war recovery to industrial expansion, the company strengthened its position step by step. Investments in technology, capacity, and people laid the foundation for continued growth—and for an even stronger role in the global automotive industry.
And as requirements continued to increase, the next phase of development was already beginning to take shape.
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