Quality and Innovation

A Hundred-Year History

• 1925 – Germa was founded by Gerda Malmborg and
  her brothers, Artur and Erik.

  Manufacturing and sales of custom-made women’s corsets. The company’s contracted agents visited customers for measurements, and based on these, the factory sewed personalized corsets. In the following years, the company added more products to its range, such as underwear, nightgowns, and stockings.

• 1930 – The first Germa store was established

  The first Germa store was opened in central Stockholm at Kungsgatan 19. In the following years, more stores were opened, and by the early 1940s, the company had a total of seven stores.

• 1933 – Supplier to the Swedish Royal Family

  The high quality of Germa’s products was recognized and honored with the appointment as a supplier to the Swedish Royal Family.

• 1950 – Collaboration with the Swedish Air Force

  Due to the development of more advanced military aircraft, pilots faced tougher working conditions with higher G-forces during aerial combat. By developing support products with lacing, similar to a corset, pilots were better able to withstand the higher G-forces.

• 1964-1965 – Germa moves to Kristianstad

  The company moved to Kristianstad, primarily for two reasons: suitable premises at a reasonable price and access to skilled personnel. The first years were very positive, with increasing sales and success for Germa’s product range. The number of agents peaked at nearly 2,500. However, changes in fashion, with the introduction of innovative long stockings, slowed down the positive development at the end of the 1960s. New products were needed, and the manufacturing of orthopedic medical corsets was introduced.

• 1970 – Germa’s Vacuum Products

  As always, the company was open to new opportunities and, in collaboration with a doctor at the local hospital in Kristianstad, developed a new product line using vacuum technology. High-frequency welded positioning cushions, mattresses, and splints in a variety of materials were launched. A new distribution network was established for the sale of vacuum products.

• 1987 – The First Steps Towards Today’s Anti-G-Systems Suit

  While the product range and distribution network for vacuum products expanded, the company became a partner in an exciting new development project with the Swedish Air Force and SAAB. The project aimed to develop a new innovative anti-G system. It was initiated in connection with the new fighter jet, the JAS 39 Gripen, which would soon be ready for service.

• 2003 – Ferno Norden and Ferno Washington International

  Over the years, Germa had become well-known in the EMS market for high-quality products, and in 2003, Ferno decided to become the new owner. Germa’s products, combined with Ferno’s range, proved to be a perfect match. Ferno’s well-established global sales network resulted in increased export sales, new markets, and opportunities for the company.

• 2007 – JAS Gripen in South Africa

  Until 2007, Germa only produced flight suits for the Swedish Air Force, but this changed when SAAB successfully signed a contract for the JAS Gripen with South Africa. Germa supported the technical integration of new features and characteristics into the flight suit system. Following this contract, SAAB has won several new export contracts, and Germa is involved in the development and adaptation of the flight suit system to meet new requirements.

• 2010 – The EasyFix Vacuum Mattress

  In 2010, Germa developed the EasyFix vacuum mattress. This innovative mattress was one of the first on the EMS market with a body-contoured design. Reduced packing volume and new features led to immediate success in the EMS market. The EasyFix vacuum mattress became a finalist in the Swedish Design Award 2014.

• 2013 – KangooFix

  Over the years, the company has maintained a close relationship with end users, particularly healthcare professionals, to support and facilitate their daily work with new products and innovations. Paramedic and inventor Pär Johansson contacted Germa and presented his invention, KangooFix, a harness for the safe transport of newborns. After several tests and clinical studies, the product was patented and introduced globally to the market, filling a gap in ambulance care. In 2019, KangooFix received the innovation award from EMS World.

• 2017 – ADDvise Group

  ADDvise Group acquired Germa in 2017. ADDvise is an international life science group. With a decentralized ownership model, they develop and acquire high-quality companies within the laboratory and healthcare sectors. The group includes over 20 subsidiaries and is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market.

• 2024 – Expansion into New Facilities

  Thanks to positive business development over several years, the need for higher capacity in technical sewing and the development department increased. When the opportunity arose in the spring of 2024 to expand into adjacent premises, the management saw this as a suitable solution. In December, the necessary preparations were completed, and the development department as well as the administration/business management moved into the new premises, followed by a second sewing department.

• 2025 – AB Germa 100 Years!

  The future is bright. Germa continues to develop products that make a difference, always in collaboration with our customers and stakeholders. With 100 years behind us, we now look forward to new goals and exciting challenges. Together, we create the future.