by Woolpower on 25 August 2010
We are Woolpower, the people working here. Except for some specially made machines, a great amount of beautiful and soft sheep from Patagonia and some other things, it’s all about the people. Here is Magnus, a knitting pro.
Magnus Åkerman, 39 years old
Lives: Aspås
Job at Woolpower: Knitting since 2008
Hobbies: Working on his house, Music
Favorite Garment: Full Zip Jacket, 400 gram
- Magnus and his machines
Magnus Åkerman knits. But this knitting of course has nothing to do with sitting in a rocking chair with a couple of balls of yarn in a basket next to the rocker. For Magnus “knitting” means supplying the knitting machines with material, service and instructions as needed. Knitting machines in long rows that knit either arms and legs or the body of garments.
Magnus pulls out a long tube from the machine that has just finished knitting. It is a garment leg that is nearly as tall as Magnus and so loosely knitted that you can almost look straight through it.
- The air is the secret, lots of air is trapped in the terry loops and in the lofty material
“It is a bit large now, but after the wash, it will be just right. It will pull together and become tighter.”
The shifts start either at 5:45 am or at 2:30 pm during the weekdays, depending on which shift one is working. Magnus has just started the day shift.
“There probably are no real advantages with working the night shift, except maybe that you get to sleep in. And a bit more money.”
It is not exactly called sleeping in when one gets up at 4 in the morning to go to work, but Magnus likes it. His partner works at a bakery in Östersund so they carpool early in the morning. At his earlier work place, as a chef at a hospital, it was mostly the same day in and day out, says Magnus. “At Woolpower I have more variety”.
“It is not just standing around and staring at a machine; it is about taking care of the warehouse, repairing machines and solving problems. 30-40 percent of the days revolve around problem solving. Many of the machines are more than 20 years old and they run around the clock, so things happen,” Magnus says.
Despite the fact that the machines are the same models and brands, they have their own peculiarities, almost like a personality. A particularly difficult machine that Magnus has named Little Lady gets the most love, care and kind words of all machines.
“When there is a shift change, it is all about explaining how the different machines have been behaving during the shift. We can then move the production around a bit and keep an extra eye on a particular machine.”
Everywhere you look there are green arms and legs hanging. In a corner I see a bit of Navy Blue.
“We do have a Color Collection as well, and we probably do want to make some more appealing colors for our regular consumers,” Magnus says. “But it is mostly military and professional users who buy Woolpower. And they mostly want green, black, navy blue and grey.”
by Woolpower on 13 August 2010
We are more than 80 people working and enjoying at Woolpower in Östersund, Sweden. Most of the crew are working in the production and since it is somehow unique with textile cltothing manufacturing in Sweden, we would like to show what we do, and how, and who. We are just a little bit proud…
First presentation: Ingrid Jönsson
Ingrid Jönsson, 39 years old
Lives: in Lugnvik, outside of Östersund
Job at Woolpower: long john seamstress since 2007
Hobbies: Dancing, fishing and ski touring
Favorite garment: Almost all, but the socks and tops are used the most
Ingrid and Sofia are discussing long johns
Ingrid Jönsson has very nimble fingers. From long experience, she quickly and confidently puts three fabric pieces together that forms the fly on the next set of long johns. One, two, three seams later, and they are joined together and are put aside, awaiting the next machine, the next stitches, the next step. When all goes smoothly, she makes 135 long johns per day.
“You probably need a little bit of feeling for the material,” she says shyly. “It’s something that you learn over the years and from having someone teach you on the job.”
Ingrid has been working here since 2007, and before that she worked here for a short time in 2004. That year, the company suffered a setback and had to lay off some of the workers. Once that setback had been reversed, Ingrid and many others who used to work here were offered positions. That she wanted to come back was never in doubt for Ingrid.
“There is no real difference in the workplace itself, but the order volume and production pace is completely different from when I was here in 2004. I also live in Östersund now instead of Lit, outside of the city, and it is nice to be closer to work. In the summer I bike to work.”
“You become an expert on your stitching,” says Ingrid. Sewing a shirt and sewing pants are not the same thing, especially if, as Ingrid does, one sews 135 pieces a day. The actions are in the spine and body rather than in the brain – quick fingers with precise, exact movements.
“There are all kinds of opportunities if I want to swap positions within the company, but right now we are moving at full speed so this is not the right time. And it is nice to be used to and comfortable with ones garments; it seems like all here feel that way.”
Sofia Åberg, who is responsible for development and quality comes by Ingrid’s work station and shows her a long john that has a fabric error. Ingrid and Sofia discuss the origin of the error and determine that it is only a single error, nothing that is likely to show up in larger volumes.
“It is important that those of us who sew check the material both before sewing as well as after the garment is complete. The material does not look the same after sewing as after washing and shaping. I also sew a label with my name in it to ensure quality.
“It is nice when all goes well and we have a lot to do here in the manufacturing,” Ingrid says and laughs. “That is really the case right now.”
by Woolpower on 18 June 2010
Merina, our adorable Merino ewe has turned two months! Last week, a few of us foster Mums and Dads went to visit her at Hägra Gård in Jämtland.
When we arrived at Hägra Gård we were welcomed by Elisabeth Grenholm, the breeder of all sheep at Hägra Gård. She told us a lot of interesting details about how Hägra Gård is run and how Merina and her syblings are growing. We were of course very eager to enter their enclosed field to meet them.
- Merina and her friends
All the sheep were first a bit shy but at the same time curious. When curiousity at last took over we were soon surrounded by all the ewes and their lambs. We also got to meet Merina and her proud Mum Ullis. We are happy to announce that Merina is growing fast and has now gained 10 kg. After meeting with Merina and her family we were offered homemade bakery, sandwiches and lemonade at Elisabeths porch.
Eva Arnlund and Merina
- Breeder Elisabeth and our pride
After our visit at Hägra Gård we went to Ullforum, a miniature Mill in Ås, close to our factory in Östersund. Here, they can, with only two people working on less than 100 sqm, produce many different kinds of yarn in various thicknesses. It is even possible to produce a yarn so thin that it can be used in a sewing machine. We were very impressed by this miniature industry and we will defintely come back and visit again!
- Lena Persson, Miniature Mill operator from Ullforum
Eva Arnlund, proud Foster Mum from Woolpower
by Woolpower on 03 June 2010
The Chinese Outside Magazine is probably very soon the biggest outdoor magazine worldwide. The circulation of the magazine is strongly increasing and even more the visitors of the blog and the Chinese Outside Facebook fan page.We are happy to say that the chief editor, Mr Du Mingrui, recently visited Sweden and Woolpower.
The Chinese outdoor industry is growing. More and more Chinese people enjoy the outdoors and their interest in activities like trekking, canoeing, mountainbiking and skiing is steadily increasing. And both American and European brands are getting increasingly popular.
Du Mingrui from the Chinese Outside Magazine
Du Mingrui, the chief editior of Outside in China visited Woolpower a couple of weeks ago. Mr Mingrui was impressed after his visit at Woolpower in Östersund. He has a strong believe for Woolpower in the high-end outdoor segment in China and he gave us many good hints and ideas.It is an interesting, and big (!) market.
Mr Mingrui also visited some other Scandinavian outdoor companies and he got the chance to experience some outdoor activities while visiting. He will for sure come back!
by Woolpower on 22 May 2010
Woolpower is today sold in 27 countries, from Danmark to Japan. Ten years ago our export equaled 40% of our annual turnover, today even more important, 77%! We invited our fantastic distributors to Sweden and to four magic pre summer days in Stockholm and in the archipelago of Stockholm.
- Our French gentleman Guillaume together with our CEO Adam at Icebar in Stockholm
- Woolpower distributors from South Korea
We have the best distributors all over the world! Every year we invite them to our Woolpower Worldwide Meeting to discuss news, to talk about new marketing tools, to enjoy and to learn from eachother.
We are proud of our Swedish heritage and for our swedish production and we do want to inspire with an atmosphere of Sweden when we meet. Last couple of years we have visitied Icehotel i Jukkasjärvi, we have been to Åre and of course we have invited to our hometown Östersund. This time the archipelago of Stockholm and the Castle of Vaxholm!
- Woolpower distributors form Germany, Russia, Denmark, Canada and Faroe Islands
- Woolpower distributors from Faroe Islands, France, Denmark and Finland by the old castle
Except Sweden another 11 markets visited us; Germany, France, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Belgium, Canada, USA, Finland, Russia, South Korea and UK.
- Woolpower in South Korean!
Vaxholm offered great summer weather, fantastic food and nice service. A fantastic enironment for wise and exciting decisions for the future! I wonder where we shall be next time…?
by Woolpower on 14 May 2010
Woolpower loves the cold. We enjoy snow, ice and cold conditions. So do the polar bears. There are today 20 000-25 000 polar bears on earth, but due to climate changes the polar bears are threatened…
Woolpower contributes every year money to a climate project and this year our contribution goes to WWF (World Wildlife Foundation) and their work to stop global warming and to protect the polar bears.
The polar bear (ursus maritimus) is classified as a vulnerable species. The IUCN now lists global warming as the most significant threat to the polar bear, primarily because the melting of its sea ice habitat reduces its ability to find sufficient food. Polar bears hunt primarily at the interface between ice, water, and air; they only rarely catch seals on land or in open water. The scientists predict that 2/3 of the polar bears are threatened and could be gone already by 2050.
The polar bear is found in the Arctic Circle and adjacent land masses. Due to the absence of human development in its remote habitat, it retains more of its original range than any other extant carnivore. Today there are polar bears in Denmark (Greenland), Norway (Svalbard), Russia, USA (Alaska) and Canada.
The polar bear is the world’s largest land carnivore. An adult male weighs around 350–680 kg (770–1500 lb), while an adult female is about half that size. The biggest polar bear found weight more than 900 kg.
Did you know…
… a polar bear needs 2 kilos of fat every day to survive
… a polar bear can smell a seal in 30 km distance
… a polar bear can keep its body temperature down to 40 C degrees minus
… a polar bear can survive without food for more than 4 months
… a polar bear can run up to 30 km/h
… a polar bear have about 10 cm of fat around the body
If you want to help to support the polar bears, find your WWF organisation here!
Woolpower loves the cold. We enjoy snow, ice and cold conditions. So do the polar bears. There are today 20 000-25 000 polar bears on earth, but due to climate changes the polar bears are threatened…
Woolpower contributes every year money to a climate project and this year our contribution goes to WWF and their work to stop global warming and to
by Woolpower on 29 April 2010
Our adorable little Merino girl has turned 11 days and now she has a name! Thank you for creative ideas (at Facebook and also our Swedish Facebook fan page) like Nona, Terry Loop, Woolly, Little Billy, Engla, Snowy and many more. But, now it’s decided. Her name is Merina!
Our Merino girl with mum Ullis
Merina has turned 11 days, has gained another 3 kg (now 6,6 kg) and is still in the heels of her proud mother Ullis. Merina lives in the beautiful Hägra Gård only 15 minutes from our factory, here in Jämtland. She lives there with 50 ewes and another 50 lambs (yes, all of them are born now, since last week) and together with her breeder Elisabeth Grenholm. 25 of the ewes have given birth this spring and the majority of the lambs do have a twin brother or sister. On the farm you can also meet four rams, fathers to all the lambs!
- Merina with her breeder Elisabeth Grenholm
On the farm you can see both Swedish Svea lambs and Merino lambs and it’s easy to see the differenc. The Merinos are already very curly and soft. And they are extremely cute…
When I lifted and embraced little Merina, her mother Ullis was very curious but watched me carefully!
- Mother Ullis is checking on adopting mother Sara very close
/Sara, one of Woolpower’s proud adoptive mothers
by Woolpower on 21 April 2010
Everyone knows how it feels to have cold feet. You try to jump up and down in one spot, frantically
wiggle your toes or kick one foot against the other. Nothing helps.
We at Woolpower AB in Östersund, Sweden, have a long and extensive experience with cold weather, cold winters and, most importantly, with how best to dress to stay warm when it’s cold. We want to share our knowledge and our experiences about how the body and feet work when it is cold, and the best ways to stay comfortably warm and dry on your feet. After all, your feet are your shock absorbers throughout your life! Here are 12 tips for cold feet!
1. KEEP THE BODY WARM, AND PUT A HAT ON
In order to keep the feet from getting cold, it is important that the rest of the body is properly dressed When the body gets cold it puts a priority on keeping the heart, brain and other vital organs warm, and so reduces heat flow to the hands and feet. This is why your feet and hands usually feel cold first, even if the rest of the body feels warm. And a head without a hat works like a chimney where a big part of the body heat escapes.
2. EAT AND DRINK
The body needs energy in order to maintain its temperature balance, so do not forget to eat and drink. And it is not necessarily warm liquids that you need in order to keep warm, but rather energy rich food and drinks.
Ice will conduct the body heat fast
3. DOUBLE UP THE SOCK
The layering principle is for socks as well. Wear a thinner, fitted sock closest to your foot and a thicker sock on top of it. This system helps absorb moisture from the foot and also traps maximum amounts of air. This also helps you avoiding blisters as friction is dissapated between your socks and
not against your skin.
4. DO NOT CONDUCT THE HEAT
A cold surface can conduct a large amount of heat away from your feet, so it is important to insulate your feet as much as possible. Use an insulating insole, preferably one made from wool, inside your shoes, and stand on a foam pad or some pine branches to prevent your feet’s warmth from being conducted to the cold ground.
5. KEEP YOUR FEET DRY, USE THE RIGHT SOCKS
Keeping your feet dry is vital when you don’t want to have cold feet. Wet feet quickly turn into cold feet. During low activity, one of your feet perspires roughly 3 ml of moisture per hour while heavy activity puts it up to about 15 ml. During very heavy work, the perspiration can exceed 30 ml per hour.Use socks made from moisture transporting material, such as wool. Wool fibers absorb moisture remarkably well, and can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture without feeling moist. And wool gives off some heat when wet, as well.
6. CHANGE INTO CLEAN AND DRY SOCKS OFTEN
Switch socks just before going outside in the cold so that they are not too warm and moist from being worn inside. By alternating between two pairs of socks, you can change multiple times during a day.
7. DRY YOUR MOIST SOCKS
To dry out your moist socks, use your body heat. Tuck your damp socks inside the waistband of your pants and let them dry from the heat that your body gives out.
8. MOVE THE MOISTURE WITH WOOL
Many problems with cold feet are caused by a lack of ventilation. Very dense materials in socks, shoes and boots only allow for a small amount of moisture to evaporate. When your feet perspire heavily, wool will actively absorb the excess moisture and move it away from your skin. Too much cotton in your socks will retain the moisture, and keep it from evaporating away.
9. TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF
Take your shoes off when you take a break so that the moisture in them gets the chance to escape.
Also kids will freeze easily, so try wool!
10. PLENTY OF ROOM
If the blood flow to your feet is impaired for any reason, your feet will quickly become cold. Think of your circulation. Use shoes that allow for some extra room, and do not overtighten them. This can reduce blood flow and your feet will quickly get cold. You have to be able to move your toes.
11. MOVE BOTH YOUR TOES AND FEET
By moving both your toes and feet, you stimulate blood flow. This increases your feet’s temperature and reduces the risk of localized frostbite.
12. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET
It is important to take care of your feet. Clean and dry feet afford better blood circulation, which allows you to handle the cold better, and helps minimize the chance of blisters. Do not use waterbased creams for your feet since the water in the cream can freeze and cause frostbite at low temperatures.
Here you can browse or download the catalog Cold feet? Warm socks. You can also order it by post from here.
Here is the German version.
by Woolpower on 19 April 2010
We are now proud parents! We at Woolpower have now adopted a cute little female lamb, born yesterday.
Extremely cute!
The little Merino ewe was born at five in the early morning yesterday. It was a safe and normal delivery and only fifteen minutes later, the little lamb took the first faltering steps and started to suckle from the proud mother Ullis. The birth weight was 3 600 g.
-
Newly born
The mother Ullis had just turned one year (last Thursday) and is 37,5% Merino and 62,5% Swedish Svea. Daddy Brian is 100% Merino and was imported from Denmark and came to Hägra Gård (just half an hour drive from our factory) in October last year. 21 of November Ullis was covered and now the cute result is here!
Our lamb has got five half brothers and two half sisters.
Of course we will follow or little lamb here, more pictures will come soon…
And, do you have any suggestion for a name?
by Woolpower on 18 April 2010
Our Woolpower Crewneck 200 was recently awarded Kauf Tipp in the German Outdoor Magazine! This in comparison with Icebreaker, Falke, Odlo, Smartwool and others.
“For frozen and quick freezing people that are looking for underwear for cold conditions should choose Woolpower. This warm shirt is well suited for alpine tours and long treks in cool regions/cold areas, because it dries quickly and take days starts to smell.”
You can see more about our Crewnecks here.
