100 YEARS OF HISTORY

A few fittings and screws have developed into some of Sweden’s largest and most exciting instore displays of power tools, kitchen systems and sliding door fittings.

Theofils-huvudkontor

THE COMPANY STARTED IN 1922

A whole lifetime has passed since 1922 when Theofil Carlsson started the company with the same name and dared to go his own way, or rather cycled his own way. Laden with his fittings and screws he took the train from Jönköping to Tibro, with him, he had his big heavy bicycle.

In Tibro, he cycled around to all the furniture manufacturers and sold his fittings and screws. As the years went by and the company grew, so too did the number of bikes; couriers on parcel bikes pedaled in shuttle traffic down to the railway station in Jönköping.

 

THEOFIL’S LEGACY

During his time at the helm, Theofil Carlsson became known as “a man of honor”, who was careful to deliver on time and did everything within his power to ensure customer satisfaction. Today, the bike is long retired, but his philosophy is ever-present in today’s company. Bicycles have become trucks and the box on the bicycle has been turned into a warehouse stocking over 9100  products. The box’s product samples have become a large catalogue of goods. One seller has become four professional stores and a well- developed e-commerce system. Simple hand tools have become power tools from world-leading suppliers.

A few fittings and screws have developed into some of Sweden’s largest and most exciting store displays of power tools, kitchen systems and sliding door fittings. Nearly a hundred proud years in the carpentry industry have strengthened our will to continue the development of Theofils. Here you can always expect more as we continue the legacy of Theofil Carlson.

 

1922

Theofil Carlsson starts a wholesale operation of fittings and screws etc. He sent his products by train to, among other places, Tibro. Theofil delivers all products by bicycle.

 

1939–1945

The Second World War prevails and Theofil keeps hold of his bicycle handlebars ever tighter because petrol etc. is heavily rationed.

 

1959

After 37 years Theofil sells the business to Gustav Carlsson and Einar Hedman

 

1973

Einar Hedman hands over his part of the company to Gustav Carlsson and his sons Björn and Ulf. Theofils expands and a property with offices and a warehouse is built in Jönköping.

 

1976

Gustav Carlsson passes away and his sons Björn and Ulf become the sole owners of Theofils

 

1980–1985

Theofils opens its first warehouse store in Jönköping. During 1985 the business grows, and Vättern Industries takes over, becoming a shareholder of 25% of the company.

 

1995

Vättern Industries buys the remaining 75% of Theofils. However, the brothers Björn and Ulf remain a part of the company. During the 90s, packings for the furniture industry and for IKEA’s subcontractors became an important source of income for Theofils.

 

1997

Theofils opens a professional shop in Stockholm, south of Hammarbyhamnen

 

2001

The property in Jönköping is developed into a professional shop for exhibitions and with meeting rooms

 

2002

Theofil’s catalogue is launched on the Internet

 

2003

The Stockholmsbutiken moves across the street and obtains twice as much shop space

 

2004

A web shop for the entire range is launched at theofils.se

 

2005

We take over Maskinboden AB, which has warehouses in Malmö and Gothenburg. The range includes carpentry machines from Felder and Hammer, who are Europe’s leading manufacturers of carpentry machines for professionals and craftsmen.

 

2006

In Malmö, we move into new premises on Lundavägen 62. The range expands to incorporate fittings. Now one of southern Sweden’s best and most comprehensive stockists and showrooms of hand machines and carpentry machines, along with a complete range of fittings and supplies for the wood, furniture and carpentry industry.

 

2007

We open a new trade shop and showroom in Sisjön, Gothenburg. The store has a complete range of both woodwork machines and fittings for furniture and kitchen manufacturers, the construction industry and interior carpentry.

 

2010

Theofils stops selling carpentry machines and the focus of the business shifts to among other things: power tools, fittings, and supplies. During the year, a completely new warehouse building is constructed to ensure continued reliability and quality. The new warehouse houses four lifts that have a capacity of 160 tonnes for ease of moving the products around the facility.

 

2011

Malmö and Stockholm obtain new shop premises with inspiring showrooms. The Stockholm store is now on Ostmästargränd 6 in Årsta and in Malmö is located at Fosie at Stenyxegatan 21. Theofils continues to develop their range for carpenters and companies with exceptionally high requirements.

 

2012

The company turns 90 years old and it was celebrated with pomp and ceremony. Our journey continues in the same spirit as always and we guarantee that you can always expect  exciting developments  in the future from a company which has always been forward-thinking and innovative.

 

2014

The store in Sisjön Gothenburg is closed

 

2015

Theofils invests in a new business system; a bold and courageous project that will benefit both the company and the customers.

 

2016

Theofils merges with JE Beslag and forms Theofils Invest, which is owned by Vättern Industries and JE Group.

 

2017

In June 2017, Theofils parts company with the Herenco Group after over 20 years. The partner JE Group buys up all the shares in the company.  With the change of ownership, so too comes a change of CEO, now at the helm is Thomas Nilsson, who also becomes a partner. We also refine our company name and become Theofils AB instead of Theofil Carlsson AB.

 

2018

Theofils moves to its own premises in the Hedenstorp area of ​​Jönköping. New address Mogölsvägen 26

 

2020

We take further steps in our digital transformation and launch a new website