1. A Man of Ambition and Drive

Sven Wingqvist was a man of ambition and drive. After studying at the John Lennings Textile College in Norrkoping, he decided to further his education and set his sights on the United States. In 1896, he made the journey across the Atlantic and began his studies in the U.S., determined to gain the knowledge and skills he needed to reach his goals.

Also → Volvo: The Car That Rolls Along

2. 36-year-old Sven Wingqvist is a true innovator

Sven Wingqvist was a true innovator, with a total of 36 patents to his name. His most famous invention was the ball bearing, but he also had patents for a range of other inventions, including hydraulic clutches and automatic transmissions. His inventions revolutionized the automotive industry, making cars more efficient and reliable. His legacy lives on today, with his inventions still being used in cars all over the world.

Also → Alfred Nobel's Legacy Lives On in Bofors

3. Sven Wingqvist - Successful Businessman

Sven Wingqvist was a highly successful businessman, having been involved in many companies throughout his career. He was the chairman of the Swedish Power plant Ab and of Nydqvist&Holm AB, two of the most prominent companies in the country. His leadership and expertise in the field of business was highly sought after, and his contributions to the Swedish economy were invaluable.

Also → Saab: The History of a Car Company

4. Advocate for Social Responsibility

Sven Wingqvist was a passionate advocate for social responsibility, and his efforts to improve the lives of workers were far-reaching. He was instrumental in the development of vacation leave with pay and shorter working hours, which have become standard in many countries around the world. His commitment to improving the lives of workers has had a lasting impact, and his legacy continues to be felt today.

Also → IBM: The History of a Global Technology Leader

5. Sven Wingqvist, Founder of Swedish Kullagerfabriken, Dies at 100

Sven Wingqvist was a Swedish entrepreneur who founded Swedish Kullagerfabriken in the early 1900s. However, after a decade of leading the company, he resigned as CEO in 1919 due to fatigue. Despite his departure, Sven's legacy lives on in the company, which is now one of the largest bearing manufacturers in the world.

Also → Berkshire Hathaway: The Story of a Major Milestone in Company History

6. Auto Industry Revolution

In 1915, Sven Wingqvist founded a company that revolutionized the automobile industry by manufacturing ball bearings. These ball bearings allowed for smoother and more efficient operation of the vehicles, and quickly became a staple in the industry. Wingqvist's company was one of the first to recognize the potential of ball bearings, and their success has been a major factor in the development of the automobile industry.

Also → Revolutionizing Automotive: Colin Chapman & Lotus

7. Sven Wingqvist Shared a Grave with His Second Wife

Sven Wingqvist was a man of two marriages; his first and second. He was married to two different women in his lifetime, but ultimately shared a grave with his second wife at Eggby Church. This is a testament to the strength of their relationship, and the love they shared for one another. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

Also → Buick: One of the oldest automobile companies in the United States

8. America's First Mechanical Engineer

After immigrating to the United States in 1895, Sven Wingqvist began to pursue his passion for mechanical engineering. He worked in a variety of workshops, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the field. His dedication to the craft paid off, and he eventually became a renowned mechanical engineer, known for his innovative designs and creative problem-solving.

Also → Kia Motors: A South Korean Success Story

9. Volvo's Sven Wingqvist instrumental in founding car company

Sven Wingqvist was instrumental in the founding of the iconic car company Volvo. Two of his former employees had the idea to start a car company, and he helped them name it. The name they chose was "Volvo", which is Latin for "I roll". His contribution to the company's founding has been remembered throughout the years, and Volvo has become one of the most recognizable car brands in the world.

Also → The History of Yonkers' Hat Company

10. CEO of Bofors, Weapons Maker

Sven Wingqvist was the CEO of the renowned weapons manufacturing company, Bofors, located in Karlskoga, Sweden. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the production of a wide range of weapons, from small arms to artillery and tanks. He was also instrumental in the development of new technologies, such as the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing, which revolutionized the industry. His leadership and vision helped Bofors become one of the world's leading weapons manufacturers.

Also → Peugeot Produced Military Vehicles That Helped Win the First World War