- It is cheap and good in China, but we want to reinforce the brand "Made in Sweden" on our products, says Ewa Ställdal, CEO of Bactiguard Technology.

The agreement demonstrates a new model of innovative business processes, which result in greater welfare services to citizens, increased growth and diversity in the region and municipality as well as increased values for businesses / industries.

- When business closures and company relocations increase in Sweden, we do the opposite and bring production back home and recruit staff in collaboration with the Employment Service and the Local technical higher education, says Ewa Ställdal, CEO of Bactiguard Technology.

- This is an opportunity for Eslöv that we have been waiting for, for many years, said Councilor Cecilia Lind. We know that our location is perfect and now others know that as well. We have proximity to the university and a large labor market, excellent communications and a well-educated workforce. It feels really good to move the company to Eslöv.

The company Bactiguard Technology uses advanced nanotechnology.

Bactiguard Technology manufactures catheters using nanotechnology to create a surface that prevents bacteria from attaching. The products are sold worldwide. The company will have a partnership with Region Skåne and Lund University.

- We are a rapidly growing company and for us it is important to be close to research and development, says Ewa Ställdal, CEO of Bactiguard Technology.

Eslöv municipality has undertaken the opportunity to build the premises and the company will hire them for at least ten years, to "market-oriented rent". The facility is being built in two or three stages in a new industrial area, Gustavslund, located in northern Eslöv.

In the first round, 40-50 jobs will be available. Fully completed, the facility may offer about 150 jobs at the 12 000 square-meter site, of which 6 000 square meters are premises. The construction starts in the spring of 2010 and the facility will be ready for business in the second quarter of 2011. The facility will not be fully completed until 2013, as planned.

Regional Council Jerker Swanstein believes that the establishment will benefit the whole region.

- Bactiguards establishment in Eslöv will be able to give more opportunities and further strengthen the region's development and attractiveness, says Jerker Swanstein in a statement.

Moving from China to Sweden is not what companies usually do.
- Yes, we do the opposite. But we hope that what we do in Eslöv can serve as a model for other companies to follow, says Ewa Ställdal.

Bactiguard is Swedish and is also based in Stockholm and Markaryd. The municipality hopes that Bactiguard becomes a good move to help even more companies move to Eslöv. Arjo, manufacturers of medical equipment, is already established in Eslöv.

- But this kind of high-tech medical technology focus we have not had before. So this will be a great addition for Eslöv concludes the local government head Eje Ringborn.


                                                                                      Cecilia Helland