A THIRD GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS

It’s a story we’ll never tire of hearing. Over 70 years ago in Stockholm, Sweden an idea sparked into life. Textile waste became rag rugs and Bolon was born. In many ways, our founder Nils-Erik Eklund was ahead of his time and today, his ability to see opportunity where others couldn’t still inspires us.

The man who lit the Bolon spark was our founder, Nils-Erik Eklund. Today, his grand daughters Annica and Marie keep the spirit alive. Since they took over the company from their parents Lars and Monica in 2003, they have been on a mission – to make Bolon a design-led innovator and fuse the conservative, traditional flooring branch with the boundless creativity of the world of fashion. That we have succeeded so spectacularly is satisfying. That in doing so, we’ve collaborated with world-renowned designers and architects as well as working with international brands makes us even more proud. However, pride is one thing and complacency is another – and standing still has never been an option here at Bolon.

This is our continuing story – and we sincerely hope that through our innovative, challenging and world leading flooring it becomes your inspiration. 

 

Marie Eklund
1949

The company was founded in Stockholm, our first product being rag rugs produced from textile waste.

1967

Monica and Lars Eklund takes over the business.

1970

Product development continues including producing awning mats for caravans.

1993

We start manufacturing wall-to-wall woven vinyl flooring.

2003

Annica and Marie, the third generation of the Eklund family, take over the business.

2003

On discovering that Armani is using Bolon products, the journey from traditional flooring company to top design house begins.

2006

Product development reaches another important milestone with the introduction of elliptic yarn.

2012

Our warehouse is moved from Belgium to Sweden, meaning production and all other functions are now based in Ulricehamn, our home town.

2012

Our Designer Friends series of collaborations gathers more momentum as we work on groundbreaking projects with Missoni and Jean Nouvel.

2013

To celebrate 10 years under Annica and Marie’s leadership, our unique history is presented in the book ‘The Story Of Bolon’.

2014

No phthalates have been used in the production of Bolon flooring since 2014.

2015

Launching Flow - a breakthrough collection. The bottom layer of the flooring’s backing is made of recycled material from Bolon’s recently commissioned onsite recycling plant.

2016

Our production facility expands with for new jacquard looms to satisfy the market's demands for flexibility, quick service and particapatory design solutions for optimising the architects work.

2017

Our collaboration together with renowned architect Jean Nouvel reaches new heights with the launch of the collection Bolon by Jean Nouvel

2020

We set the goal to halve our climate impact and have at least 50% recycled material in all our products by 2028.

2021

We launch a collection in collaboration with world-renowned industrial designer and architect Patricia Urquiola.

2023

During spring, solar panels were installed on the factory roof in Ulricehamn. The estimated energy production is 1100 MWh of electricity per year, which covers around 25% of our annual production needs.

Download The Story of Bolon

A SELECTION OF AWARDS

  • FX SURFACE OF THE YEAR AWARD

  • RED DOT DESIGN AWARD

  • MIXOLOGY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

  • GOOD DESIGN AWARD

  • UNIVERSAL DESIGN AWARD

  • DESIGN S AWARD

  • GERMAN DESIGN AWARD

  • BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS AWARD