Auto parts maker Artifex Systems opens new engineering centre

Cockpit systems, dashboards, door trim systems and various types of consoles are examples of what Artifex supplies. Key customers include Volvo, Scania and Volvo Cars.

“Artifex Systems [formerly IAC Sweden] is known in Sweden’s automotive cluster as a competent and rather big interior components supplier. But we want to take it to the next level and be considered a development partner for products and systems in future vehicles,” says Per Stenfelt, head of engineering and product development at Artifex Systems.

The new engineering centre complements the company’s three production sites in West Sweden: in Gothenburg, Skara and Färgelanda. In total, the firm employs around 1,850 people in the region. 

A hub for automotive companies, talent and collaboration

The new engineering centre, the company’s first in the EU, was inaugurated on 18 February. So far, they have 16 employees based there - and they have the ambition to grow. 

This is a key reason the company set up at Lindholmen Innovation District. The area is a tech and automotive hub, one of the densest in Europe. It’s also very well connected, just minutes from central Gothenburg. 

“The collaborative atmosphere, the breadth of actors and mass of competence here is attractive for what we aim to do. And this location is also a big plus. By being here, we think we can attract the right talent,” says Per Stenfelt. 

Investing in innovation 

Mikael Andersson, head of programme and technology at Artifex Systems, sees potential in collaborating with the local universities, startups and other automotive companies. He also aims to leverage knowledge and capabilities within Artifex Systems, which has similar centres in India, China and the UK.

The Gothenburg team will play a key role in developing Artifex System’s next generation interior components.  

“Interiors are changing and becoming increasingly important in vehicles. We are seeing more screens and electronics and these need to be integrated into parts. There are also a lot of developments and trends in terms of lighter and more sustainable materials,” says Mikael Andersson. 

We at Business Region Göteborg, Gothenburg’s economic development agency, are supporting the investment in the engineering centre, together with our national partner Business Sweden. Among other things, we have introduced the company to location opportunities and provided soft-landing services. 

“The automotive interior space is developing rapidly, and investing in engineering capacity is therefore a natural next step for Artifex Systems. Choosing to establish the centre at Lindholmen Innovation District is a testament to the strong engineering talent found in Gothenburg,” says Joel Görsch, investment advisor for automotive at Business Region Göteborg.

Read more about Tata AutoComp’s acquisition of IAC Sweden/Artifex Systems

Facts about Gothenburg’s automotive and mobility sector

• Gothenburg is one of Europe’s leading automotive regions, home to Sweden’s two largest companies Volvo Cars and the Volvo Group.
• Gothenburg’s automotive industry directly employs 36,000 people, and an additional 30,000 people indirectly. Mobility companies directly employ around 15,000 people in the region.
• The region has a complete mobility cluster – from R&D and design to large-scale manufacturing.  
• Lindholmen Innovation District is home to around 400 companies and organisations in the tech and mobility sectors. Other key nodes in Gothenburg include the area surrounding Volvo’s Campus Lundby and Volvo Cars' campus in Torslanda. 

Read more about Gothenburg’s automotive and mobility sector