A path of pioneers
Our history
From past to present
Since 1973, we have been committed to more than making great products - we have strived to improve people’s quality of life. An objective that runs through our past, drives us today, and will continue into the future.
Our journey to date would have never been possible without past pioneers who challenged conventions in their determination to achieve a more inclusive society, and better quality of care. That pioneering spirit remains at Etac today, where we continue to create solutions that contribute to greater freedom and possibilities in people’s everyday life.
The beginning - a time of social reform
What Etac succeeded in doing in Sweden’s early 70s, was in many ways a paradigm shift. Until then, disabilities had stigmatised both individuals and their physical surroundings. Medical aids were often makeshift solutions with poor functionality, where precious little attention had been paid to aesthetics, let alone the people who needed them.
Deeply rooted in the humanitarian tradition, Etac set out to create a whole new type of products that could integrate people into the community and enable them to live as independently as possible. To achieve this, we partnered up with industrial designers, something no one in our field had done before. The result was an unprecedented range of innovative, stylish and functional products, placing Swedish design of assistive devices in a class of its own.
A journey of growth
Following the initial daily living aids, the success continued over the years to come. Wheelchairs and bathroom products were soon introduced to the range, and people gladly welcomed the new innovations. We also started to hire occupational therapists as salespeople to assure we always stay closely connected to our users' needs.
During the last decades we have expanded our range further by acquiring several companies who share our approach to innovation. The additions include paediatric, patient handling and mobility solutions. This has led us into new markets, as well as being able to accommodate more diverse needs and care settings. The result is today’s unique portfolio of specialised product brands, all designed with the same dedication to form, function and people.
Our Swedish roots
Etac has deep roots in Småland, a region known for its entrepreneurial spirit. It is also where IKEA once started and the setting for many of Astrid Lindgren's beloved books, such as Pippi Longstocking.
The story behind our logo
The icon in Etac's logo is based on a photo of a racing wheelchair user from above, creating speed lines on the ground. Arches and shapes have then been drawn to illustrate the person's silhouette.
Paralympic champions
Some of our team members are not only pioneers at Etac, but also Paralympic champions. Between them they have won several medals and participated in wheelchair racing as well as table tennis.
Milestones
Etac is founded
RFSU Rehab, later renamed Etac is founded. Sverker Göthberg drives the vision of developing a new generation of assistive devices with a groundbreaking perspective on design, functionality and aesthetics.
Enco Miljö is acquired
Swedish company founded in 1972 with Bosse Lindqvist in charge of wheelchair development. Having suffered a spinal injury following a tractor accident, he was determined to create a chair that would better promote an active lifestyle.
Immedia is acquired
Danish company founded in 1986 by Werner Johansen, who after being hospitalised and watching his parents become more dependent on caregivers, saw the need for improved manual transfer solutions.
Molift is acquired
Norwegian company founded in 1981 by Hans Kasper Andresen. After being hospitalised due to a heart attack he identified the need for lifting and moving patients in a safer way, and invented the world’s first battery-operated hoist.
R82 is acquired
Danish company founded in 1982 by Erik Ernst, Flemming Møller and Lars Lykke. All three had experience from the field, and set out to become a world-leading manufacturer of paediatric devices for children with special needs.
Fully owned by Nordstjernan
Nordstjernan, a Swedish foundation-owned investment company, assumes full ownership of Etac after having owned 60% since 2006. Their focus is to develop companies through long-term commitment and active ownership.
Convaid is acquired
American company founded in 1976 when occupational therapist Rachel Watkins inspires her husband Merv, a mechanical engineer, to design a special stroller-style push wheelchair as there is no proper equipment for her patients.
Star is acquired
American company founded in 1995 by Kevin and Janice Fraser. Committed to reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, they realised the need for providing cushions and mattresses that can be customised to individual needs.
Invests in HoverTech (70%)
American company founded in 1997 by David T Davis, who wanted to make a difference in the lives of patients and caregivers. By introducing air-assisted transfer and repositioning solutions, he could ensure safer and more comfortable transfers for both parties.
Ki Mobility is acquired
American company founded in 2005 by Doug Munsey and Murray Slagerman. Both with extensive experience in the complex rehab industry, they were determined to design and provide better mobility and seating solutions for wheelchair users.
Klaxon is acquired
Austrian company founded in 2015 by Enrico Boaretto and Andrea Stella. Both of them wheelchair users and passionate sailors, they found it easier to cross the ocean than to move around in the city, and decided to create power assists to improve mobility on land.
Today
While many things have changed at Etac since our humble beginnings, our primary motivation remains steadfast - a profound commitment to people and making a positive difference to their daily lives through innovation.
People are at the heart of what we do
To promote abilities for people at all stages of life, is always our driving force. Our solutions range from supporting children’s continuous development to prolonging independence for people in later life. To enable someone’s participation in daily activities is a privilege, or like many of our team members put it - “nothing compares to a smile”.
An equally important task is to support society’s efforts to offer high-quality care. As such, we are committed to helping caregivers, rehab professionals and prescribers with the challenges they face. By providing ergonomic and user-friendly equipment for different care settings, we can make their daily work easier.
Products that make a difference
Products and people go hand in hand, since the right solution can bridge the gap between individuals and their environment, enabling them to perform activities they otherwise could not. Knowing this, it is self-evident that our development teams are passionate about innovation and go above and beyond to exceed expectations.
True to our roots, we still cooperate with industrial designers and healthcare workers. A collaboration that has paid off not only for our users, but also in terms of numerous prestigious design awards. Collectively, our products are characterised by their high quality, user-friendly features and how they deliver great value over time. Individually, they are diverse enough to cater to various needs and lifestyles.
Design awards
Many of our products have won distinguished awards for excellent product design.
Patented innovations
We have developed numerous patented innovations and several of our products have set new industry standards.
International exhibitions
Some of our products have been displayed in exhibitions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Circular innovation
In 2022 we reached one of our sustainability milestones by launching Europe's first circular wheelchair.
Learn more about Etac
Discover more about our company worldwide
We are a global business with a 'small company feel', rooted and headquartered in Sweden. Our sites are located all over the world, and we have a long-term perspective in everything we do.
Product brands for a wide range of daily needs
Our specialised product brands cater to different care settings and people at all stages of life, supporting individuals as well as caregivers through high quality and user-centric design.
Entrepreneurship over generations
Etac’s owner, Nordstjernan, is a foundation-owned investment company that develops businesses for the long haul, providing continuity as well as the ability to invest for the future.