Deform

In the world of heavy industry, some companies become so specialized, so crucial in the supply chain, that they transform into strategic assets. This is the story of Deform AB, a Swedish company with roots stretching back to 1907. Operating under the Deform name since 1987, the company honed a deep expertise in the complex art of hot and cold forming of high-strength metals. Deform built its business by shaping tough materials for demanding applications in sectors like pressure vessels and heavy equipment. This unique capability didn't go unnoticed. For years, the company, led by owners like Bengt Skånberg Christensson and Mats Bergsjö, and more recently by CEO Ulrika Jonsson, cultivated a close relationship with the Swedish defense giant, Saab. Deform became a critical supplier of specialty parts for Saab's advanced submarine programs. This relationship reached its ultimate conclusion in August 2025. In a move to secure the supply chain for Sweden's national defense, Saab announced it was acquiring Deform. The acquisition wasn't about disruption, but about preservation and stability. Led by CEO Ulrika Jonsson, Deform will continue its operations in Degerfors, maintaining its name and specialized workforce. The deal underscored a fundamental playbook shift: a small, specialized manufacturer becoming an indispensable part of a nation's defense industrial base, ensuring its unique skills are secured for the future.