The family’s connection goes back to Anders’ grandfather, Oskar Duberg, who worked as a blacksmith at the mill. Several generations followed. Anders had five uncles who all worked for the company, and both his mother and father also spent their working lives here. Through the years, there has always been a member of the Duberg family working at the company. Work looked very different back then. Many women carried out so-called home-based work, including bending the ends of springs at the kitchen table to support production.
– It was a different time. My father worked here, and my mother did some of the work from home. In one way or another, the whole family was involved, says Anders.
From one generation to the next
Despite the family’s strong connection to the company, it was not obvious that Anders himself would end up working here. After training as a vehicle mechanic, he worked in another profession for a few years before joining Garphyttan in 1984 – and stayed. Almost 40 years later, his son Jakob followed in his footsteps, becoming yet another generation of Dubergs at the company. At first, Jakob worked as a laboratory technician, just like his father. Since February 2026, he has been part of the company’s new investment in in-house machine design. In many ways, Jakobs represent the next chapter in the company´s story – building on what previous generations created while helping shape what comes next.
– It’s exciting to be part of building something new while working for a company with such a long history, says Jakob. Over the years, both technology and ways of working have changed. People used to be much more involved in every step of the process. Today, a lot is controlled by computers and automated systems. The products are basically the same, but the technology around them has changed. That’s why it’s important that we continue to pass knowledge on from one generation to the next.
More than a workplace
What has made generation after generation stay? The answer comes quickly.
– It’s fun to come to work. This means a lot, says Anders. For both Anders and Jakob, the workplace is as much about the people as it is about the work itself. When they look back on their years at the company, it is not the machines or the factory they talk about most – it is the people they have worked alongside. Over the years, Anders has also had the opportunity to share his knowledge far beyond Garphyttan, working with customers in different parts of the world.
– It feels good to have been able to contribute knowledge that made a difference for our customers.
The story continues
As Suzuki Garphyttan celebrates 120 years, the Duberg family remains part of that story.
– It feels good that the company is still here. There is a lot of history in this place. When you walk around the site, you are reminded of everything that has happened over the years, says Anders. At the same time, both Anders and Jakob are looking ahead.
– I hope the company continues to be a stable workplace where people can develop and build their future, says Jakob. From blacksmith Oskar Duberg to Anders and Jakob, much has changed over the years. Technology looks different, and new generations have taken over. But one thing remains the same – the people who continue to shape the company.