16 huhtikuun 2025
Per Sekel Franck was a true entrepreneur — technically gifted, with bold visions for the future. After several years working as a travelling technician for STAL in Finspång, he set out to build something of his own.
In 1950, Per registered F:a Francks Kylservice, running the business from the family home at Ståhlbomsgatan 33 in Norrköping. The basement, garage and laundry room were turned into a workshop and office, and his sons Jan, Göran and Tommy learned the trade early on. Per’s wife Margit answered the phone — often right in the middle of making dinner — and it was here that the personal service which would later define the company began to take shape.
1950s
- Keeping it local. The first customers were small butcher shops, dairies and grocery stores in and around Östergötland — places where Francks quickly got to know both the display fridges and the people behind them.
- The first big client. Word spread quickly, and before long Francks was supplying cooling coils and technical equipment to Mjölkcentralen stores across Sweden.
1960s
- Bigger space, bigger ambitions. As the business grew, so did the need for more space. The first move was to Smedjegatan, followed a few years later by a second relocation to Gamla Övägen. In 1967, Francks hired its first technician.
- Expanding the offer. The range of services grew — from household and commercial refrigeration to washing machine repairs and sales of modular cold and freezer rooms. At the time, a technician’s hourly rate was 10 to 20 kronor.
1970s
- A new generation takes the helm. In 1971, Per’s son Göran took over as CEO. The company kept growing, moved to Vattengatan, and brought in both office staff and more technicians.
- Breaking ground in cooling. In Linköping, Francks built a complete refrigeration plant for the charcuterie company Dendu — in just 90 days! In Kristianstad, the company introduced a new method for shock-chilling chickens — a hygienic and efficient solution that soon became a new industry standard.
1980s
- A new chapter begins. During the 1980s, Francks continued to grow — in both headcount and ambition. The company acquired Åbyggeverken in Gävle, a manufacturer of refrigeration units, which expanded its product offering. This marked the beginning of TESAB: Team Excellent Service AB.
- Ahead of its time. In 1985, Francks built a large refrigeration facility for Vita Fågeln, now known as Kronfågel. When Kronfågel later constructed a new plant in Valla, Francks was again commissioned — this time to build a refrigeration system using ammonia as the refrigerant. Ammonia is a natural refrigerant and is now considered one of the most sustainable options available.
1990s
- A new base for the future. In 1995, Francks acquired the property at Moa Martinssons gata 34 in Norrköping — still the company’s headquarters today.
- A decade of expansion. Francks opened an office in Stockholm and took on major projects at InfraCity (now known as Bredden), as well as extensive renovation and new-build work on refrigeration infrastructure for Konsum and Hemköp.
2000s
- New leadership and generational shift. In 2006, Per Hannius became CEO. Under his leadership, Francks recruited several technicians and engineers from ABB STAL Refrigeration, York, and Johnson Controls (JCI). In 2009, Jan, Göran and Tommy Franck passed the torch to the next generation — Peter, Jonas and Anders.
- Landmark Projects. Francks built Malmö Arena — perhaps Sweden’s most spectacular multi-purpose venue. The company also delivered refrigeration infrastructure to Willys stores across the country, constructed the Citygross distribution facility in Hässleholm, and continued the expansion of Dafgård’s refrigeration plant in Källby.
- Expansion into Helsingborg. Francks established an office in Helsingborg and quickly secured a strong position in the local market, with several key clients who remain with the company to this day.
2010s
- New challenges, big projects. Francks carried out several major assignments for Tekniska Verken in Linköping, and was also responsible for large-scale dismantling work at Globen — part of a new urban development project.
- New ownership. In 2019, Segulah became the majority owner of Francks Kylindustri, with Per Hannius and Göran Franck remaining as co-owners.
2020s
- New markets and high-profile projects. Francks expands through acquisitions into Norway, Denmark, and Finland. In Sweden, the company delivers a heat pump to E.ON — a system that supplies up to 10% of Malmö’s district heating.
- Francks turns 75. From a small, ambitious family business to one of the true industry leaders. With 50 offices and 625 employees, Francks is now the largest provider of industrial refrigeration in the Nordics — but the family spirit and personal service that have always been at the company’s heart live on.
