Woodsafe establishes Woodsafe Group with Johan Padel as Chairman

Based in Västerås, Sweden, Woodsafe has expanded its operations in recent years across industrial fire- retardant treatment of timber, timber processing, research and testing. The establishment of Woodsafe Group AB creates a common structure to develop these businesses and drive continued profitable growth in Sweden and internationally.

The new organisation clarifies responsibilities across ownership, the Board, group management and subsidiaries. Group management will lead the shared strategy and coordinate business development, while each subsidiary retains operational responsibility and its focus on customers and profitability.

Industry experience and long-term ownership

The Board comprises five directors: Chairman Johan Padel; Johan Wigelius; Jarmo Kääriäinen; Leonthin Strömberg, representing the next generation of ownership; and Thomas Bengtsson, Woodsafe’s founder and owner.

Johan Padel brings extensive leadership experience in the timber industry, including his former role as head of Holmen’s Wood Products business area. His expertise spans industrial development, international business and board governance.

“Woodsafe and the people leading its businesses have made a very positive impression. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit, deep expertise and a clear ambition to develop. I see considerable potential in building on the strengths of the individual businesses and making the most of the opportunities across the Group,” says Johan Padel.

Johan Wigelius, former majority owner of Munktorps Trä and active within the Optimera Group for the past eight years, contributes extensive knowledge of timber processing, distribution and business development. Jarmo Käärinen, a partner at Bergenstråhle & Partners, has worked closely with Woodsafe for many years and brings legal and strategic business expertise.

Working with group management, the Board will set the direction for the next phase of development, focusing on profitable growth, investment and stronger competitiveness.

“Given our growth and development, this is a natural next step. We are bringing together our own experience with external perspectives and broad industrial expertise. I very much look forward to working with the new Board and to what we can achieve together,” says Thomas Bengtsson.

Bringing production and research together

Woodsafe Group comprises Woodsafe Timber Protection, Munktorps Träförädling, Woodsafe Research & Development, Woodsafe Facilities and Woodsafe International.

The businesses combine industrial fire-retardant treatment and timber processing with research, testing and technical advisory services. Woodsafe Facilities is responsible for property and infrastructure, while Woodsafe International will develop the Group’s international business and market expansion.

The shared structure will strengthen collaboration between the businesses, establish clearer investment priorities and improve the Group’s ability to turn technical expertise into new products, services and commercial opportunities.

“We have built businesses that complement one another. We are now putting the organisation in place to coordinate their development and give each business the right conditions to grow. Our ambition is to build a strong industrial group for the long term, rooted in Sweden with a growing international presence,” says Thomas Bengtsson.

Media contact
Thomas Bengtsson
Founder and Owner, Woodsafe Group AB
+46 (0)10-206 72 30