Uutiset ja tapahtumat

With more than a thousand world records under its belt, Eleiko has long been the barbell of choice among weightlifters worldwide. How did a small, family-owned Swedish company that specialized in waffle irons become the world’s most highly regarded barbell? And what role has Ovako’s steel played in this success story?

Kansainvälisen naistenpäivän 2026 kunniaksi pyysimme neljää Ovakolla työskentelevää naista – joiden kokemus ulottuu hieman alle vuodesta yli 40 vuoteen – kertomaan omista urapoluistaan, kohtaamistaan haasteista sekä tärkeistä oivalluksistaan.

Steve Ooi is an Ovako Group R&D technical specialist based in England, at the University of Cambridge’s prestigious Maxwell Centre. We asked him to tell us about his background and to answer some questions about the particular benefits of Hybrid Steel.

Dr Steve Ooi, Group Technical Specialist Ovako R&D, outlines how innovative direct-quenching steels can enable forged components to achieve the ideal combination of strength, ductility and toughness without needing secondary heat treatment. It’s an approach that can save energy and carbon emissions while also boosting productivity.

Our co-workers are Ovako’s most important asset. For us, it is primarily about finding the right skills for the right role at the right time.

Safety first is Ovako’s philosophy for every aspect of our operations. In recent years this has led to a strong improvement in our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) that are now well below the industry average. In fact, we have reduced injuries with sick leave by 95% over the last seven years explains Phetra Ericsson EVP HR, Communication & EHS Ovako Group.

With custom WR-Steel components, improved safety, and extreme testing, the jolly old man is ready to deliver millions of presents faster and stronger than ever. Discover how Christmas magic meets cutting-edge engineering!

<p><strong>Sebastian Smed</strong> aloitti uransa Ovakossa kesätyöntekijänä vuonna 2010. Hän edustaa Smedin perhettä Ovako Hälleforsissa jo neljännessä sukupolvessa. Ensimmäisen kesänsä jälkeen hän on jatkuvasti edennyt yrityksessä, ja valssaamon prosessinhoitajan tehtävän lisäksi Sebastian on myös IF Metallin työsuojeluvaltuutettu ja ammattiliiton edustaja.</p> <p>Lähikuvassa <a href="https://www.ovako.com/fi/uutiset/tarinoita/sebastian-smed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sebastian Smed</a></p>