Somas Turns 80 – From Sliperi och Mekaniska Arbeten to a Global Valve Partner
From polishing cutlery to delivering advanced valve solutions for a global industry – Somas celebrates 80 years. A company rooted in Säffle, Sweden, that since 1945 has combined innovation, quality, and long-term commitment.
A Name with History
Somas is more than a name – it’s an abbreviation of Sliperi Och Mekaniska Arbeten Säffle (Grinding and Mechanical Works Säffle). When Sven Ragnar Hägg and Folke Carlén founded the company in 1945, the main activity was grinding and polishing cutlery. But from the very beginning, there was a strong ambition to develop our own products.
Valves That Changed the Industry
In the early 1950s, valve manufacturing began, driven by the needs of the local pulp and paper industry. Early on, Somas started producing valves in stainless, acid-resistant steel – a standard that would define the company’s development. The first valve type was a throttle valve, today known as a butterfly valve. During the 1970s, the next major innovation arrived: the segment valve, and by the end of the decade, the metal-seated butterfly valve was introduced – innovations that laid the foundation for today’s broad product range.
From Säffle to the World
Today, Somas offers segment valves, ball valves, and butterfly valves, as well as pneumatic actuators. To meet customer needs, we also provide complete solutions with positioners from leading manufacturers. And the development continues – with digital services such as SomasVerify, offering diagnostics and predictive maintenance for the industry of the future.
2025 – A Year to Remember
This anniversary year has coincided with several important milestones:
- Jan Dahlén took over as CEO in January, leading the company into a new era.
- Somas was named a Di Gasell company, a recognition of strong growth and profitability.
The Future – The Same Drive as in 1945
Looking ahead, our vision is clear: to continue delivering solutions that make a difference for our customers and contribute to a sustainable industry. Innovation, quality, and long-term commitment have been our guiding principles for 80 years – and will remain so in the future.