Three generations in service of the forest

Forestry is one of Boden’s most important foundational industries, providing employment far beyond the forest itself. This became clear during Skogsforum – With the Forest at Heart, where participants heard perspectives from research, politics, industry and the media.

For Erik Engström, however, forestry is not a topic of occasional discussion. It has been part of his everyday life for as long as he can remember.

His family’s transport business dates back to 1942, and today he runs the company as the third generation in the family to do so.

“The forest has provided our livelihood all these years. My grandfather started the business, then my father, and now me. Many families in this area have made their living thanks to the forest,” he says.

Part of the forest value chain

With three timber trucks and six employees, the company transports logs from harvesting sites to sawmills and industrial facilities. Clients have changed over the years, but the business has always been rooted in the forest sector.

For Erik, the work is about much more than driving a truck.

“You become part of the whole chain. I know people who operate forestry machines, work with planning or buy timber. There are many of us working together to make it all function,” he says.

It is also a perspective that aligned closely with this year’s Skogsforum, where several speakers highlighted the importance of forestry for the economy, employment and community development.

Erik Engström, CEO and owner of Erik Engström Transport Ltd.

Technology has transformed the industry

During the nearly four decades Erik himself has worked in the business, much has changed. What once relied on paper-based work orders is now managed entirely through digital planning and monitoring systems.

“In the past, you received a paper order and a map sketch. Today, everything goes directly into the truck. The systems show exactly where the timber landing is located and which logs are to be collected. It has become much more efficient,” he says.

The changes are also evident in the forest, where machinery and working methods have become increasingly productive.

“To be honest, I think almost everything has improved. Technology has made the job easier and more efficient, while safety has also improved.”

Despite strong demand for transport services, a lack of assignments is not what concerns Erik.

The challenge is finding drivers.

“I could expand significantly if there were more people available. We have more work than we can handle, but it’s difficult to recruit staff. That is probably our biggest challenge today.”

Confidence in the future despite challenges

At the same time, Erik remains optimistic about the future. He points to investments in the forestry industry and continued development in processing and production as signs of a strong and resilient sector.

“The forest has always been important here, and it continues to be. People often talk about mining and other major investments, but forestry remains a huge source of income and an important part of the economy.”

Although the transition to fossil-free transport presents new challenges, he believes the industry will continue to move forward.

“We need to be part of the transition. But it has to happen together with the forest companies and the rest of the industry. That is how we have developed in the past, and that is how we will continue to develop in the future.”

For Erik personally, the motivation remains as strong as ever.

“I still enjoy it. I have never wanted to do anything else. I love life in the forest and the people who work there,” says Erik Engström.