The Ekeby Wheelbarrow – 100 Years

In Sweden, we celebrate Wheelbarrow Day on 19 April each year. It’s the perfect opportunity to give your wheelbarrow some extra care – clean it, oil the handles, and check the screws and other components.

On 9 May, we welcome the public to our Open House, where you can experience how a wheelbarrow is manufactured from start to finish.

The Beginning in Ekeby

As a blacksmith, Nils Birger Eriksson preferred to work with steel. He thought that even the wheelbarrow tray could be made of sheet metal instead of wood – and began sketching a new design.

In 1926, he started producing wheelbarrows in Ekeby, just outside Helsingborg. By building the wheelbarrows in steel instead of wood, they became significantly more durable.

The tray, wheel with mount, leg supports, and front stays – called styvor – were made of steel, while the handles and crossbars were made of wood. The work was done entirely by hand: holes were punched with hammer and drift, and the tray was riveted together.

Growing demand

During the 1930s, demand for the Ekeby Wheelbarrow grew rapidly. Production became more organized, and the number of employees increased. Soon, larger premises were required to meet the growing demand.

Development despite material shortages

During the 1940s, Hörby Bruk continued to develop despite material shortages and strict regulations during the war years. Production efficiency increased with investments in new machinery – including shears for edge cutting, corner-cutting machines, press brakes, and drilling machines that simplified work and improved precision.

In 1944, a woodworking department was established for the production of handles and crossbars. During times when sheet metal was scarce, the wheelbarrow trays were temporarily replaced with wooden ones. The woodworking shop became an important part of the operation and remained in use until 1990.

Post-war period and expansion

 In the 1950s, construction activity increased in Sweden, and Hörby Bruk modernised its workshop to meet the growing demand.

The company was purchased by the Bergengren family – who still own the business today.

The classic steel wheelbarrow still dominated the market, and more than half a million units had been produced by the mid-1950s. The product range expanded and became more standardised, which increased efficiency and opened the door to new product areas.
The number of models grew from four to around twenty-five, and customers could now choose between plain-bearing or ball-bearing wheels.

Ekebykärran finds its way into the private garden

During the 1960s, private purchases increased, and the green steel tray with wooden handles became a familiar feature in Swedish gardens. Production technology was modernised with a new electrical system, allowing more machines to be connected – such as spot-welding machines and special equipment for hole punching and deep drawing – improving precision and reducing working time.

The painting process evolved from brush-painting to spray and powder coating, and assembly became more efficient through the use of pneumatic tools instead of hand wrenches.

In 1966, a hydraulic press was installed, enabling tray production in a single piece – eliminating the need for riveting and allowing the wheelbarrow trays to be produced without joints. This further strengthened Hörby Bruk’s reputation for quality and durability. The image shows the press.

Continued expansion

Hörby Bruk continued to invest in the factory and production increased. The number of employees grew from 16 in 1949 to around 75 by the mid-1970s, reflecting the company’s success and the growing demand for its products.

Change and competition

The market was affected by increased competition from imported products, but Hörby Bruk chose to maintain Swedish manufacturing and compete through quality.

ISO certification and modernisation

In the 2000s, Hörby Bruk became ISO-certified, strengthening its position as a modern and quality-focused manufacturer.

Colour, investments, and new wheels

For the first time in our history, we ventured beyond the classic green colour. The wheelbarrows were introduced in new, vibrant colours – a creative step that gave the products a modern and playful expression.

A new take on the wheelbarrow

In 2020, Hörby Bruk celebrated its 100th anniversary and launched the Natures Collection with a new colour palette.
A new version of the wheelbarrow was introduced – equipped with bamboo handles as a sustainable and climate-smart choice. The new design combines traditional quality with modern materials and long-term durability.

The Ekeby wheelbarrow continues to be manufactured in Hörby, based on the same fundamental idea:
a stable, reliable, and durable wheelbarrow – built to last for generations.

What will it look like in another 100 years?