The story of ZRS - from vision to reality

ZRS Testing Systems AB was founded in Gothenburg in 2004 with a clear ambition: to become the most reliable and competent partner for materials testing and calibration in Scandinavia. Since its inception, the company has developed from a niche player in tensile testing of metals to a complete supplier in both destructive and non-destructive testing - with customers in everything from the steel and paper industry to automotive and medical technology.

Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Billdal, just south of Gothenburg, offering sales, service, support and accredited calibration throughout the Nordic region.

At the heart of ZRS's development has been its collaboration with ZwickRoell, a partnership that began back in 1998. Together, the companies have worked to improve the quality and reliability of materials testing in both industry and research.

Founder's journey - from test engineer to entrepreneur

The history of ZRS is closely linked to the professional career of its founder Stefan Andréasson. It began at Volvo Cars, where he worked on servicing test rigs. He then moved on to MTS Systems, first in the service organization and later in sales. At MTS, Stefan was responsible for introducing a new segment of tensile testing machines to the Swedish market - an experience that became an important building block for the future.

When he was later headhunted to Bergman & Beving, he was given the opportunity to represent ZwickRoell products in Sweden. During a reorganization within the company, the opportunity opened up for Stefan to buy out the agency. The business plan he presented clearly showed that Sweden lacked a dedicated, reliable player for material testing machines. With support from ZwickRoell, the Zwick Sverige AB, the predecessor of ZRS Testing Systems AB.

The early years - small premises, strong driving force

The first office was in Kullavik harbor - a small room with three desks and a bookshelf. It was cramped, but full of energy and confidence. The focus was clear: to build a company where customers could trust the products, services and people behind them.

The first employees became central to building the business in service, sales and finance. As the business grew, the office was moved to larger premises in the same building in Kullavik, and expansion took off.

Reliability as a keyword

ZRS has always been driven by a clear set of values: reliability.
Customers should be able to trust that the machines, solutions and services are tailored to their needs - and that ZRS is always there to support, help and guide.

The company has built its business on flexibility, customer focus and a desire to create solutions that work in reality. This approach has led to long-lasting customer relationships and strong trust in several of the Nordic region's most demanding industrial sectors.

Growth through skills - and a service manager who made a difference

One of the most important developments came when Christer Larsson was hired as service manager. Under his leadership, the service business gained a clearer focus and the company was able to broaden its range of services. As demand grew, the organization soon needed to hire more service engineers and strengthen its technical skills - an investment that has been crucial to today's high level of service.

Expansion in the Nordics - and the future together with Momentum Group

With the establishment of the ZRN Testing Systems AS in Norway further strengthened the Nordic presence. Halvor Fossli has run the business as a separate company, working closely with the technicians at ZRS.

ZRS also supports Denmark and the Baltics with service when needed and has also expanded the product portfolio with equipment such as ultrasonic thickness gauges and hydraulic servo valves.

In 2024, ZRS became part of Momentum Group, which has given the company the resources and muscle it needs to grow further and develop new markets.

In 2025, Stefan handed over the position of CEO to Christer Larsson, who have held various roles within the company since he started. Stefan took a step back and continued to contribute as an advisor throughout the year. As Halvor decided to move on, ZRS took over the operations of ZRN at the end of the year.

Milestones

• 2004 - ZRS is founded in Gothenburg
• 2007 - Accreditation according to ISO 17025 (SWEDAC)
• 2014 - Establishment of Norwegian ZRN Testing Systems AS
• 2024 - ZRS becomes part of Momentum Group
• 2025 - Christer Larsson appointed as CEO