– Now we have all the pieces in place to grow internationally, says Margaretha Rhodin, CEO of Swedish Hydro Solutions. All the numbers are trending upward, and our brand is stronger than ever.

More Projects – and a broader range of assignments

The forecast for the first half of the year is very promising. Swedish Hydro Solutions has taken on several large-scale projects, while the service segment continues to perform well. In the first quarter alone, two custom-designed treatment units were sold for permanent installation at customer sites.

– We’ve managed to broaden the scope of our projects, and today we rent out units all over the country, from Kiruna in the north all the way down to Skåne. And that shows in the numbers – April was an all-time high, says Margaretha Rhodin.

The treatment of PFAS contamination remains a current and relevant issue. After a few successful pilot projects using ion exchange media technology from SciDev, Swedish Hydro Solutions has now secured long-term agreements for the systems.

– Ion exchange is just one of the tools in our toolbox. The key is that customers, environmental consultants, and project owners now understand that we can handle PFAS in an effective and cost-efficient way, says Margaretha.

– Clients are coming to us and asking for advice, and that’s exactly the position we want to be in. Our brand has grown much stronger over the past year. I think everyone can feel it, and it really helps in the sales process.

On May 21, the second edition of the SweWater Summit took place – a knowledge-sharing event and meeting place for experts, decision-makers, and industry professionals working with stormwater and construction dewatering.

– SweWater Summit was one of the first things I jumped into as CEO, says Margaretha. I’d say the event has been a success so far.

This year’s edition focused in part on the legal consequences of failing to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, as well as Swedish adaptations in areas such as the Environmental Code. Among the speakers were legal experts from Magnusson Law – and Annika Ekwall, Director of Water Management at the Water Authority and the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland.

– We created the event based on a clear need. Our industry is constantly evolving, and there’s a lot happening right now around laws and regulations, so that was the focus this year. Legislation is changing, and the Water Framework Directive affects everyone who deals with water treatment issues – industries and municipalities just as much as traditional contractors. There’s a need for a platform for collaboration and idea exchange, explains Margaretha Rhodin.

Margaretha’s first months as CEO began with a review and update of the company’s core values. The result was PURE – Passionate, Unique, Reliable, Environmental – developed collaboratively by all employees.

Based on these values, the company developed PURE Management, a management support system that streamlines and enhances both working methods and customer offerings.

– PURE is about creating a process for continuous improvement in an organized and documented way – while also adding value for the customer and supporting the company’s long-term strategy.

A key goal has been to involve the entire organization – all offices and all employees.

– It’s a time-consuming effort, but a necessary one. You can’t create coherence if people don’t feel involved in the process.

Information is documented in a structured way to ensure clarity and traceability. Processes, methods, and follow-up routines are well defined.

– It’s been a major undertaking, but we are now better equipped to achieve the results we aim for, while ensuring compliance with laws, standards, and external requirements. Our employees have better conditions to reach the goals set by the organization, says Margaretha.

During 2024–25, Swedish Hydro Solutions has worked purposefully to achieve ISO certification in quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety management.

The company is now certified in three areas:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management

• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management

• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management

The foundation was already in place – work with QHSE matters has been part of the business for several years – but certification still marks an important step.

– Becoming ISO-certified means three things. We show our employees that we care about them. We show that we take responsibility for the environment and practice what we preach. And we show our customers that we do our utmost to deliver quality, says Margaretha.

– The certifications are also a clear competitive advantage as we expand into Europe. In many cases, they’re a requirement. For us, it was important to do it right from the start – to build the foundation. We’re already exploring several markets, and if sales pick up, it’s difficult to manage such an extensive task afterward.

“We’re Ready”

Margaretha shares that she is looking forward to executing the actual expansion and taking on the challenges of entering the European market.

– That’s why I joined the company. Over the past year, we’ve stepped into a much larger suit than before – and it fits perfectly! We’re ready, concludes Margaretha Rhodin.