Staffan Leth's goal was to manufacture the world's best hunting bullet in Sweden, completely without lead. Via the Enterprise Europe Network in Dalarna, the bullet has been tested at the RISE research institute and through participation in an international trade fair, he has made new international contacts.
Staffan Leth, a former officer in the Swedish Armed Forces, took the step into the entrepreneurial world with the vision of filling the void that existed for shooting enthusiasts in Dalarna. There was little choice and little knowledge in the few existing shops. In 1991, he opened the doors to his company Staffans Vapen & Jakt, alongside his main role in the military. But when the Dal Regiment closed and the defense underwent changes, the company in Duvnäs became his main venture and today the company has four employees.
In 2018, it was time to realize the idea that Staffan had for several years to "Manufacture the world's best hunting bullet in Sweden, lead-free with the precision of a match bullet, price value, manufacturing, and distribution so that the price of the bullet appeals to every Swedish hunter".
International contacts via the Enterprise Europe Network
After 30 years in the industry, Staffan has built up some international contacts, but according to him, not enough to create an effective distribution in a short time. Staffan met Marie Ericson at Dalarna Science Park, who is the contact person for the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), which led to Staffan making contact with the RISE research institute, among others. At RISE, it was possible to use high-speed cameras to film the bullet and show what happens when it is fired. This is very valuable because customers can see with their own eyes that a lead-free bullet works, and how it works.
Through EEN, Staffan also got in touch with Business Sweden's regional export advisor in Dalarna, Bashar Mustafa, who arranged a meeting with a consultant for outdoor products on the US market.
- Bashar and Marie have been very helpful - it has been a great collaboration, says Staffan.
In addition to EEN and Business Sweden, Staffan has had contact with Region Dalarna, which has granted him financial support for participation in IWA OutdoorClassics 2023 in Nuremberg, as well as contact with Almi.
Attending an international trade fair provides valuable business contacts
Today, Staffan has business contacts in several countries, including customers in Denmark and Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and Japan, which he gained by attending the Nuremberg fair both last year and this year. He is also on the move in Norway and Spain.
That Staffan had the right timing is not something he hides. The EU has been talking about a ban on lead in bullets for several years without a decision, but now the discussion has come so far, at the same time as knowledge and the desire for sustainable alternatives have increased, that the EU countries do not dare to take a chance that it will not happen. For example, Denmark is leading the way in introducing its own national ban, as well as some republics in Germany where there will be a ban on the use of lead bullets on state land.
The challenge of changing the market
When it comes to challenges, Staffan says he finds it can be tough to find companies that are willing to change, but have a stable business and in the "right country". In addition, there are special laws and regulations you need to know about when delivering and transporting ammunition. Especially by air, which was new to Staffan, who previously sent the goods by land.
Tips for other entrepreneurs
When asked if he has any tips to share with other entrepreneurs in the industry, Staffan replies that: "You have to have an idea you believe in and be persistent - success doesn't come overnight and have the courage to ask for help. I started the project in 2018 and it's only now that it's getting off the ground."
Facts
Company: Staffans Vapen och Jakt AB
Business idea: Lead-free ammunition for sport shooting and hunting.
CEO: Staffan Leth
Headquarters: Duvnäs, Dalarna
Turnover: 10 million
Number of employees: 4
Export market: Europe and Japan
