The man who shaped the modern steel industry – Part 3: The beginning

After years of experiments and setbacks, Göran Fredrik Göransson is ready to turn a technological breakthrough into an industrial enterprise.

Episode 72

The man who shaped the modern steel industry – Part 3: The beginning

We explore the remarkable story of how Göran Fredrik Göransson helped transform the steel industry, laying the foundation for the company that would become today's Sandvik.

In the final episode of this three-part Meet Sandvik podcast series, Göransson takes the next decisive step—from proving that the Bessemer process works to building one of Sweden's largest and most advanced steelworks. The episode follows the founding of Högbo Stål & Jernwerks AB, the construction of the new steelworks in Sandviken and the birth of an industrial community.

"The Bessemer process, Göran Fredrik Göransson and Sandvik contributed to shaping the steel industry which made way for modern society,” says Carina Dahlberg, Sandvik historical advisor, who shares the historical context behind Sandvik's earliest years.

The episode also tells the story behind the company's first major crisis. Despite its technological breakthrough, the new steelworks was forced into bankruptcy before eventually emerging stronger and laying the foundations for more than 160 years of innovation.

While Sandvik no longer produces steel, Göransson's entrepreneurial spirit lives on through the company's curiosity, customer focus and passion to win.