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Bolon is a third-generation, family-owned Swedish design company. Founded in 1949 and based in Ulricehamn, it is owned by sisters Annica and Marie Eklund. Bolon invented woven vinyl flooring and operates globally with around 130 employees.
The story began with Nils-Erik Eklund, who founded Bolon in Stockholm after noticing textile waste. He wove durable rugs from cotton and nylon, giving the company its name (Bomull + nylon). He later moved the business to southern Sweden.
The second generation, Lars and Monica Eklund, took over when Lars was 22. An innovator, Lars created the first wide camping mat in 1970. It became a bestseller, and in 1993, he developed woven vinyl flooring for commercial use.
In 2003, the third generation—Annica and Marie—took over after discovering Giorgio Armani used Bolon flooring. Inspired, they transformed the weaving mill into a global design brand.
The fourth generation is emerging. Annica’s daughter, Linn, joined in 2023. Marie’s daughter, Liv, studies design, and her son, Max, is a composer. The future is full of creative possibility.
