Since its launch in 2022, close to fifty companies have undergone HIT, the program for sustainable, innovative growth. One of them is Herdins Färgverk in Falun, where HIT has not only resulted in adjusted goals, but also in greater job satisfaction.
- Perhaps because we now have a clearer picture of where we are going and how to get there. It's very inspiring," says Per Strand, the company's CEO.
Herdins Färgverk is a family business with a long and proud history. The company itself was founded in 1850, but the business started already in the 18th century.
Today, Herdins Färgverk is located in Hosjö, just outside Falun, where development, manufacturing, sales and customer service are all under one roof.
The company is perhaps best known for its wood and textile paints under the Herdins brand, but also produces chemical engineering products under other brands, such as Imprenex and MP52 Furniture Polish.
Opportunities in everything
Per Strand has held various roles in the company for 12 years. Last year he took over as CEO and just a few months later was offered the opportunity to participate in HIT.
- "I thought we needed a boost in several areas, so HIT came in at just the right time," he says.
From the outset, it was decided that several staff members would participate in the HIT program, which would prove to be a wise decision.
- If it had been just me, it wouldn't have been nearly as good. Now we have many more perspectives, and we were able to divide the work.
The HIT program is based on a number of topic blocks and Per thinks that each of them has brought important insights.
- Some topics are particularly important to us and in order for everyone in the company to learn more, we have invited external lecturers. It has been very much appreciated and we have discovered that there are actually opportunities in everything!
Fun to involve more people
For a company manufacturing chemical engineering products, sustainability is always a key issue - both in terms of laws and regulations, and in terms of its own initiatives and goals.
- For example, we have started to phase out all solvents and we will have a solution to this by 2029," says Per, who appreciates the feedback he has received via HIT.
- I would say it has given us a boost in terms of sustainability. A lot of work remains to be done, but it's good to know that we're on the right track and that we're thinking in the right way. And the coaches have really been fantastic as sounding boards. They know a lot and have familiarized themselves with our business very quickly.
For Per, HIT has come to mean more than he had expected. As a relatively new CEO, he has discovered, among other things, how much fun it is to work with others in a development process.
- I have also opened my eyes to the possibilities of education. In the past, I have often prioritized courses and such because I did not have time, but now I make time.
- With HIT, we have also discovered how much Dalarna Science Park has to offer in general, so we will definitely keep in touch going forward.
FACTS
HIT - a business development program for sustainable innovative growth
Program duration: Approximately eight months. Former HIT participants are welcome back for HIT Acceleration, an in-depth program lasting another 6-8 months.
Content: Workshops and knowledge-enhancing seminars approximately once a month, with individual coaching in between.
Organizer: Dalarna Science Park.
Funders: European Regional Fund and Region Dalarna.
For whom: SMEs that want to increase their readiness for change, create tangible business benefits and boost innovation through access to expertise, tools and networks.
Next program start: New program start a few times a year.
