Our History

One of the earliest predecessors of today’s UTAB was Max Sievert AB, which was founded in the late 19th century and grew to become a leading player in electric heating and industrial furnaces during the 20th century.

The company became known for its technical expertise in electric heating systems, particularly in resistance heating elements and heating furnaces for the metal industry. Max Sievert was an early pioneer in using modern materials and new technologies to improve energy efficiency and service life in industrial heating processes.

The company’s innovative spirit and technical development laid an important foundation for the expertise that was later built upon within UTAB.

AB Elektrougnar developed electric furnaces for a wide range of industrial applications, from heat treatment and brazing to melting processes in the metal industry.

The company became known for high precision, operational reliability, and continuous technical development. By focusing early on energy-efficient solutions and improved process control, AB Elektrougnar established itself as a valued supplier to the Swedish manufacturing industry.

During the 1990s, the business was integrated into what is now UTAB.

In the mid-20th century, TABO Ugnar AB established itself as a major supplier of melting furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, and electric resistance heating elements.

TABO was known for its ability to combine standardized solutions with custom-designed systems for various types of industrial processes. The company’s furnaces were used in applications such as hardening, annealing, and sintering, and were valued for their robust construction, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Many of TABO’s installations are still in operation in Swedish industry, a testament to the quality and durability of the company’s solutions.

Another important figure in UTAB’s history is Osmund, who, throughout much of the 20th century, developed advanced solutions for industrial heat treatment.

The company worked closely with the Swedish steel and engineering industries and supplied furnaces for applications such as hardening, annealing, and brazing. Osmund was particularly valued for its process engineering expertise and its ability to create stable and precisely temperature-controlled heating processes.

The experience and specialized knowledge built up within Osmund later became an important part of UTAB’s collective expertise.

ASEA was one of Sweden’s most significant industrial groups and also played an important role in the development of industrial furnaces and electric heating systems.

Through its broad expertise in electrification, automation, and industrial heating, ASEA developed advanced solutions for the Swedish process industry. The company’s industrial furnace business contributed high technical standards and modern control technology to many industrial facilities.

When ASEA merged with Brown Boveri in the 1980s to form ABB, parts of the business were restructured. The industrial furnace division was subsequently integrated into the business that today constitutes UTAB.

Gränges Engineering was part of the Gränges Group and focused on technological development in metallurgy and industrial heating.

The company had deep expertise in melting processes and heat treatment, particularly as they relate to the aluminum industry. Its technical expertise and understanding of processes contributed additional specialized knowledge to the operations that later evolved into today’s UTAB.

Ugnsbolaget specialized in custom-designed industrial furnaces and built a strong reputation through close collaboration with Swedish and international industry.

The company developed solutions for applications such as hardening, sintering, and advanced heat treatment processes, where high demands were placed on functionality, precision, and reliability.

When the business became part of UTAB, it brought both technical expertise and extensive experience in customized industrial solutions into the organization.

Over the years, the expertise, technology, and experience of these companies have gradually been brought together within UTAB. Together, they have created a business with deep roots in Swedish industrial history and a broad technical platform in industrial heating technology.

In 2005, UTAB was acquired by AGA, now part of Linde. The acquisition was carried out as part of AGA’s strategy to broaden its offering in industrial gases and process technology solutions.

By combining gas supply, heat treatment, and process technology, customers were offered more comprehensive and integrated solutions for industrial processes. At the same time, UTAB’s technical expertise in modern and energy-efficient heating technology was further developed.

In 2022, UTAB was acquired by Linde as part of the group’s focus on industrial services, furnace technology, and heat treatment solutions.

Through the acquisition, E3-S took over the UTAB brand, the extensive technical archive, and the collective knowledge of generations of Swedish furnace manufacturers. At the same time, business continuity was ensured by transferring the expertise and experience of the employees into the new organization.

The acquisition created new opportunities to further develop the offering in the areas of installation, service, modernization, and optimization of industrial furnaces and related systems.

In 2024, a restructuring was carried out in which UTAB was reestablished as an independent company within the same group as E3-S.

The aim was to focus the business more clearly on the core areas of industrial furnaces, heat treatment, and related services, while maintaining collaboration and synergies between the companies.

Today, UTAB combines over a century of collective experience with modern technology and ongoing development in industrial heating technology. With roots in Swedish engineering and a unique pool of expertise, UTAB continues to develop the solutions of the future for industrial heating processes.