World-leading innovation center inaugurated in Sundsvall, Sweden

Permobil invests in the future of rehabilitation technology

Permobil’s new global innovation center in Sundsvall, featuring a 14,000 square meter investment with groundbreaking accessibility adaptations, was inaugurated today. The facility, which combines production and research & development under one roof, marks the company's largest investment ever in the region and sets a new standard for inclusive workplaces.

“This is not just a building – it is a testament to our vision of a more accessible society,” explained Bengt Thorsson, CEO of Permobil, at today's inauguration ceremony. “With this new facility, a new chapter in Permobil's history begins, continuing our commitment to the region where we have our roots and heart.”

The center, developed in collaboration with Vectura, represents the workplace of the future with thoughtfully designed accessibility features in every detail, such as:

• Specially designed workstations for maximum flexibility
• Extra-wide corridors so that two wheelchairs can pass each other
• Height-adjustable facilities throughout the building
• Contrasting color schemes for the visually impaired.

The move from the old facility in Timrå was executed with extraordinary precision, resulting in only a one-day stoppage of the production line - an achievement that underscores the company's innovation capability even in logistical matters.

“Today is a fantastic day as we inaugurate Permobil's new building, a place where accessibility meets world-class innovation. A place for Permobil's passionate work to empower more people to lead independent lives. For us at Vectura Real Estate, it is also a milestone in our vision to create inspiring and sustainable environments where people meet, collaborate, and drive innovation with heart and commitment, thereby changing the world,” said Joel Ambré, CEO of Vectura.

“Permobil should be proud to have created, together with Vectura, a building that is welcoming and inclusive, where different parts of the organization have the opportunity to collaborate to develop better and more products for wheelchair users worldwide,” said Christian Cederholm, CEO of Investor.

Permobil Sundsvall facts:

• Area: 14,000 sqm
• Number of employees: 250
• Construction start: January 2023
• Completed: September 2024
• Production line start date: September 3, 2024.

Sustainability facts:

• 998 solar panels
• Twenty-one 300 meter geo-thermal boreholes
• 104 electric car chargers
• LEED Gold certification for environmentally conscious design.

About the inauguration

The inauguration ceremony was characterized by optimism with speeches, panel discussions, and a musical performance by "My Breath, My Music" together with the Sundsvall choir Vox Viva. The ceremonial ribbon was cut jointly by Christian Cederholm (CEO of Investor), Bengt Thorsson (CEO of Permobil), and Joel Ambré (CEO of Vectura).

Images from the inauguration are available for download at: Inauguration Photos