What’s it like being Mr Ptec? We asked Peter Andersson himself

When Peter Andersson was looking for new challenges, he chose to start Ptec. That was 10 years ago. How has it been? And what does the cartoon character Bamse have to do with anything?

Ptec was founded in 2011. What made you start Ptec?

”I’d been in the same role at the same company for 14 years, and started to get tired of it. I felt that I maybe needed a challenge. I’d thought about running a business for a while, so I just decided to go for it. And Ptec was born.”

What was your vision then, and what is it now?

”I didn’t really have any great visions actually. I was aware that running a business meant a lot of work and plenty of risk. So I didn’t want to grow fast, and the plan was actually to work alone, with no staff.

After a couple of years I saw the drawbacks of working alone. It’s hard to get time off and go on holidays. I also recognised how vulnerable the company would be if I got sick. So after many sleepless nights I decided to start hiring. That was 2017.

Today we are three full-time employees in combination with some consultants, and we hope to pass SEK 4m in turnover.

The vision is still to grow steadily. For me it’s important to have good control of the product range and to maintain good service levels for existing customers. They’re worth their weight in gold, and they mean everything to Ptec’s well-being and survival.”

 Peter Andersson, Ptec, demonstrates the smart details of the HFLEX Inredningssystem

What’s the best thing about your job? And can you tell us about a project that you were particularly fond of?

”I like to develop and construct new products that generate upsales. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed that way, haha! And it’s always a plus if the product or job is recurring, such as our projects with 3M and Pinewood for example (you may want to read these articles).

To name one project that I’m particularly fond of is impossible. There are so many!

At the moment I’m working with our new brand, HFLEX, a lot. I’m considering how we can develop the produtcs, and we also want to get better at giving the customer suggestions as to which products should be used for specific needs.”

What’s it like working in the Gnosjö region? Is it beneficial, or does it not really matter?

”Oh, I’d say it’s really important and absolutely beneficial. It’s just 15 minutes by car to 90% of our suppliers. In our business, it’s essential to have suppliers close by in order to keep prices and turnaround times down.”

What do you think we’ll see more of in the future in shop fittings? Is sustainability a requirement, for example?

”The environment and sustainability are of course central issues. We listen to our customers and follow the demands that they and the authorities have of us. Otherwise I leave the future somewhat open and don’t dare prophesise.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

”In my free time, I like to be with my family. I’m also fond of various forms of exercise. And I enjoy working in the forest or clipping into the cross-country skis in the winter.”

If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be and why?

”That’s not an easy question. But maybe Bamse. We all want to be friendly and strong, even if we can’t do it all.”

Bamse, the world’s strongest bear. Source: Wikipedia