"In our evaluation of these facilities, we have found both the equipment and the technical competence of the personnel to be of extremely high quality,” says Rune Thyselius, a partner in Sjöland & Thyselius. “We can also see new business possibilities abroad, especially in the development of energy-efficient aircraft engines.

“Our technically advanced solutions for the defence sector and in aviation have much in common with the work done at the facilities in Bromma. This acquisition therefore offers good opportunities for synergy effects,” continues Rune Thyselius. “We reckon to bring the business into financial balance in no more than a few years.

The acquisition includes all the facilities, including the recently completed compressor test rig for the testing of aircraft engines. The transfer also means a continuing guarantee of employment for the personnel concerned.

“This is a very good solution for the wind tunnel facilities, both now and in the longer term,” says Nils Olsson, assistant Head of Division at FOI and the person who has been leading the work behind the sale. With Sjöland & Thyselius as purchasers, we keep the leading edge expertise in Sweden and hasten the move towards more civil sector business already initiated within FOI.

Background
FOI decided in August 2007 to dispose of its business in Bromma by 31 December 2008 at the latest, since the Armed Forces’ funding of this activity has largely ceased. During the autumn, the process of selling on the international market has been under way. On 26 May a transfer agreement was signed between FOI and Sjöland & Thyselius Aerodynamic Research Center AB. The transfer takes place on 1 July 2008. The facilities in Bromma have been in existence since the 1940s and have been used primarily to meet the needs of the Armed Forces and the Swedish defence  industry.