Olle Östlund 105 years visited his old workplace
Olle Östlund is 105 years. He started working at Sandvik in Sandviken, Sweden in 1948 and retired in 1976. During his whole career he worked with finishing of billets and bar steel. In October, he visited his old job – 40 years after retirement.
Olle is an exceptionally vigorous 105-year-old who lives on his own and rides his bicycle a few kilometers every day. When Olle recently met a former colleague he mentioned that it would have been nice to visit the old workplace to see how it looks today. His wish reached Petra Einarsson, Head of business area Sandvik Materials Technology, and a visit was arranged.
“I haven’t been here since I retired and so far I don’t recognize anything from before. Everything is different”, said Olle just before the production tour started.
The safety procedure is considerably more extensive now than before and the safety equipment was also a new to Olle.
“We used cotton balls in our ears when necessary, but no helmet and no glasses either”, said Olle.
Former colleague Anders Aspgren, still working at the plant, shared some memories.
“I worked here with you in 1973, when I straightened the bar that you visually inspected”, remembers Anders.
After the tour in the production Olle got to see some old pictures of the workplace. He thinks it is difficult to comprehend how much has changed.
“Everything is new or has been replaced. It's really incredible to see and great to experience”, says Olle who was very pleased with the visit.