Our story began nearly 50 years ago with a dream of running a business of our own. Engineer Olle Nyholm, with extensive experience in production and product development, had an idea to start manufacturing flagpoles made of glass-fibre reinforced polyester. The flagpoles would be stronger than traditional wooden flagpoles, more durable, and completely maintenance-free. Together with his wife Inga, Olle took the bold step of building his own factory in the Småland town of Värnamo.
Olle was far ahead of his time, both in terms of design and production technology, and was extremely meticulous in his product development. His attention to detail continues to inspire us today in the manufacturing and development of new products.
In 1995, Peter Nyholm took over the family business. He initiated an international expansion through the sale of flagpoles and established offices in the Netherlands. During this period, Formenta took important structural steps by obtaining ISO certifications for environmental management and quality. At the same time, the company began focusing on continuous environmental improvements through new materials and production methods.
Today, Formenta is led by the third generation of the Nyholm family. Our goal is to develop and strengthen Formenta as an innovative and expanding company, offering a range of sustainable, safe, and smart premium products for public outdoor environments. In addition to flagpoles, the product range also includes lighting columns, bike stands, park furniture, planters, wastebins, and sand containers. We are honoured to have delivered flagpoles to the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, the White House in Washington, the United Nations Office in Vienna, Friends Arena, Tele2 Arena, and many other well-known buildings and sports venues around the world.
Responsibility, pride, and a strong desire for continuous development drive us today. These are the same qualities that once inspired Olle and Inga to start the company and to manufacture robust products to be proud of – products built to last for generations.
Formenta is the largest brand within the family-owned group Formenta Group, which comprises several brands and companies. The focus is on products and solutions for sustainable, safe, and smart public outdoor environments, as well as products that enhance visibility. Today, the products are distributed to nearly 40 countries.
Formenta is founded by Olle and Inga Nyholm, with production focused on components made of glass-fibre reinforced polyester.
Formenta’s first proprietary product, flagpoles, is launched on the market.
Formenta begins its export operations. The first markets are Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Formenta expands its export operations to also include North America.
Peter Nyholm takes over as CEO of the company.
Formenta becomes ISO 9001 certified.
Formenta becomes ISO 14001 certified.
The majority shareholding in the Dutch company Wego B.V. is acquired, which is subsequently renamed Formenta Vlaggenmasten B.V.
The majority shareholding in the Danish company Danomast is acquired by the Group’s parent company and becomes a sister company to Formenta.
The third generation takes over the leadership of the company.
The product area Street Furniture is launched, with sand containers as the first product.
The brand uteprodukter.se is founded by the Group’s parent company and becomes a sister company to Formenta.
The majority shareholding in Flaggfabriken Kronan is acquired by the Group’s parent company Formenta Group and becomes a sister company to Formenta.
Peter, Henrik, and Carl Nyholm are named Entrepreneurs of the Year in their hometown of Värnamo.
After several years of development, Formenta launches the Streetmast lighting column on the market.
Formenta’s new visual identity is unveiled.
Wastebins are launched within the Street Furniture product area.
Fingal Johnsson & Söner is acquired and becomes part of the Group.
Formenta moves into a newly built factory with new offices in Värnamo, with a total area of approximately 6 000 square metres.
All shares in J.O. Flagstænger ApS are acquired by Danomast A/S.
Formenta achieves its goal of 100 per cent fossil-free transport of flagpoles through its own vehicle fleet.
