When you think of electronics manufacturing, where does your mind go? For many, the immediate answer is Asia – countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, or India. And it’s no surprise, given the region’s dominance in the electronics industry. Asia’s advantage has been built on low production costs, government investments, and highly efficient supply chains. They also lead in technological innovation, particularly in semiconductors and advanced solutions.
Despite this, Waybler has, since its founding in 2016, chosen to manufacture entirely in Sweden – in the small town of Munkfors, nestled in the province of Värmland. Additionally, all hardware and software development is carried out at the company’s headquarters in Solna. But why has Waybler chosen to go against the tide?
A Solution Born in Sweden
“When people hear about a company making EV chargers, they often assume the focus has always been on the hardware. But our journey started from a completely different place,” explains Kurt Högnelid, CEO and co-founder of Waybler.
He continues:
“We developed a groundbreaking solution for load management – the software behind charging – long before we even thought about producing the hardware. That meant we weren’t looking for a high-volume hardware manufacturer; we needed a partner capable of small production runs to test our solution. Naturally, we turned to a Swedish manufacturer.”
The first chargers were paired with the load-balancing software, now called Optimize, and launched on the market. At the time, EVs were still a niche product, but Waybler saw the potential and continued refining its offering.
“As demand grew, so did our production volumes. And while manufacturing in Sweden involves higher costs, the choice was clear. We wanted to keep production local,” says Kurt.
Close Relationships and Secure Manufacturing
Today, Waybler’s chargers are produced in partnership with Inission AB, a full-service provider of advanced electronics and mechanics based in Värmland.
“Producing in Sweden offers us significant advantages,” Kurt explains.
“We can maintain close contact with our manufacturer, make quick adjustments, and ensure the highest quality. Additionally, it makes us more resilient in an uncertain geopolitical environment. By partnering with a Swedish producer, we’re less reliant on long and fragile supply chains.”
For Kurt and Waybler, the decision isn’t just about practical benefits.
“There’s also a broader perspective – a sense of responsibility. Sweden has provided us with incredible opportunities as a company, and we want to give back. By collaborating with Swedish companies, we strengthen the local economy.”
Made in Sweden – More Than a Label
Building a supply chain for advanced electronics is no easy task. It requires expertise and cutting-edge technology. Inission and Waybler complement each other perfectly – Inission manages production, while Waybler’s engineers lead the design, development, and testing of current and future products.
“Being ‘Made in Sweden’ is something we are truly proud of. For us, it’s a seal of quality and a statement that we’re building a sustainable company,” Kurt Högnelid concludes.