In Memory of Per-Olof Ejendal

A Visionary Leader, Exceptional Entrepreneur, and Pioneer in Safety Innovation.

A FOND FAREWELL

On December 18th, 2024, our former owner and CEO, Per-Olof Ejendal, passed away. His passing has been noted in the media, with heartfelt tributes highlighting his passion for hockey and his unwavering support for Leksands IF, a cause that brought him immense joy.

REMEMBERING PER-OLOF

We at Ejendals would like to honor Per-Olof Ejendal by sharing how we remember him—as a remarkable entrepreneur, a cornerstone of Ejendals’ success, and a close friend to many within the company. But just as importantly, we want to reflect on what Ejendals meant to him. The company, which he fondly called “the firm,” was his life. He poured his heart and soul into its development, making bold, forward-thinking decisions that helped shape Ejendals into the company it is today. We now carry his legacy forward.

THE EARLY YEARS

Per-Olof was born in 1949, the same year his father, Valfrid Ejendal, founded the company. At the age of 26, Per-Olof took over Ejendals and began shaping its future. After studying in the United States, he returned home and was given the task of expanding Ejendals’ presence in northern Sweden, where the company had little representation at the time.

Later, Per-Olof secured agreements with several of Sweden’s largest industries, such as Volvo, Scania, and Telia. He made it a priority to understand their needs and the challenges faced by workers on the ground. His exceptional customer focus and deep knowledge of work gloves became two of his greatest strengths, helping to establish Ejendals as a trusted name in safety.

Per-Olof Ejendal

1949-2024

INNOVATIONS IN SAFETY GLOVES

In the late 1970s, Per-Olof made a bold decision that would prove crucial for Ejendals' future. At the time, nearly 50% of Ejendals' glove range consisted of non-work gloves, including fashion and sports items. Per-Olof decided that moving forward, Ejendals’ glove range would focus exclusively on work and safety gloves. This decision was initially met with skepticism internally. However, Per-Olof recognized that these were fundamentally different industries with distinct approaches. He also saw a significant opportunity to grow volumes within industrial markets. His vision and determination laid the groundwork for Ejendals’ position as a leader in safety gloves.

Samuel Enqvist, who joined Ejendals in 1985 as a product manager, recalls that safety gloves were typically only made in two sizes—one for men and one for women. As a result, workers often removed their gloves because they were too large and impractical for precision work. Always an innovator, Per-Olof led the effort to revolutionize protective gloves, working closely with a dedicated team and manufacturers to create gloves with precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Under his leadership, the team introduced four glove sizes, which was groundbreaking for the industry.

TEGERA: FUNCTION AND FIT

For example, Per-Olof spearheaded the development of an entire series of TEGERA leather gloves, prioritizing exceptional quality that met the highest standards of functionality. The focus on quality naturally increased development costs, leading to gloves priced many times higher than existing options. While this bold move raised concerns internally, Per-Olof’s vision proved correct. Workers valued these well-fitted, flexible gloves so highly that they often wrote their names on the cuffs, determined not to lose them.

THE ICONIC 8127 GLOVE

Samuel also shares the story of the cotton glove 8127, which remains part of our range today. This thin, elegant, white textile glove was so unique that it was initially compared to a wedding glove. At the time, nothing like it existed on the market, and some doubted whether it could be sold. However, the innovative design made it perfect for industries like automotive manufacturing, where its tactile sensitivity and ability to show dirt when cleaning was required proved invaluable. The 8127 became an instant success, with millions of pairs sold annually.

BUILDING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Per-Olof often mentioned that he and Prince Bertil were among the first Swedes to gain access to China, which was a very closed country at the time. He made frequent trips to establish direct relationships with glove manufacturers, emphasizing quality and long-term partnerships—a strategy that proved vital for Ejendals’ success. Many of these family-run factories remain trusted collaborators to this day, thriving alongside Ejendals across generations.

Lena Prytz, who joined Ejendals in 1988, traveled to Asia with Per-Olof on numerous occasions. She reflects on how Ejendals benefited from his commitment to building strong, lasting relationships with suppliers rather than switching between them. This approach, driven by his foresight, created partnerships grounded in mutual trust and shared values.

Lena also highlights Per-Olof’s passion for his employees, deeply valuing their well-being and investing heavily in their development and team spirit. To him, employees were not just colleagues but also friends. He valued the local community in Leksand, prioritizing local hiring to create opportunities and working with local suppliers to contribute to the region’s growth and development.

Per-Olof in Tijanin 1976

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

In 1997, when he was only 47 years old, Per-Olof suffered a severe stroke that caused paralysis on one side of his body, requiring him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. It was a challenging period, both personally and professionally, as he was forced to step back from the company for several years. Immediately after Per-Olof's illness, the management team, with the support of the board, took over the leadership of the company.

Despite these challenges, Per-Olof’s spirit and determination brought him back as CEO in 2003/2004.

Under his renewed leadership, Ejendals began expanding its market internationally. Unable to travel himself, Per-Olof entrusted Samuel Enqvist with handling much of the international outreach. At the same time, he hired Malin Hall as his assistant, who soon became his executive secretary. Malin speaks warmly of Per-Olof’s innovative mindset, describing him as someone who always sought and found new ways to develop and think creatively. She highlights his deep engagement with the company and its people, often making his way through the entire firm in his wheelchair, checking in with every department and staying updated on what was happening across the business.

PER-OLOF'S OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

Per-Olof Ejendal’s remarkable leadership and entrepreneurial spirit earned him numerous recognitions and honors throughout his career. His achievements in 2006 were particularly notable. That year, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year in Mälardalen/Dalarna, recognized for his ability to refine traditional products through innovative design and clear leadership. Additionally, the Tegera PRO glove series, launched under his guidance, won the “Swedish Marketer of the Year” award, highlighting Ejendals’ focus on quality and usability over price. These milestones elevated the company’s status as an industry leader.

GOLD MEDAL FOR SWEDISH INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTIONS

In early 2007, in recognition of his “beneficial contribution to Swedish industry,” Per-Olof was awarded this prestigious medal in the presence of King Carl XVI Gustaf at Riddarhuset in Stockholm. The award highlighted Per-Olof’s extraordinary impact on Swedish business and his region. He humbly credited his employees for their role in the company’s success, emphasizing teamwork as a cornerstone of his achievements.

CARRYING HIS LEGACY FORWARD

Per-Olof’s achievements reflect his visionary approach, unwavering dedication, and ability to inspire those around him. His legacy continues to guide Ejendals as a leader in safety innovation.

A milestone that Per-Olof held especially close to his heart was seeing the company transition to the third generation of family leadership—a symbol of stability and a bright future for Ejendals. His son Marcus, who has been leading the company as Chairman of the Board since 2017, carries forward his vision and commitment to developing and strengthening the company’s position as a global leader in safety. This continuity within the family was a source of great pride and reassurance for Per-Olof as he looked toward the company’s future.