The History of ZRS – From Vision to Reality

ZRS Testing Systems AB was founded in Gothenburg in 2004 with a clear goal: to become the most reliable and competent partner for materials testing and calibration in Scandinavia. Since its inception, the company has evolved from a niche player in tensile testing of metals to a full-service provider of both destructive and non-destructive testing—with customers ranging from the steel and paper industries to the automotive and medical technology sectors.

Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Billdal, just south of Gothenburg, and offers 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 as early as 1998. Together, the companies have worked to improve the quality and reliability of materials testing in both industry and the research community.

The Founder's Journey—From Test Engineer to Entrepreneur

ZRS’s history is closely linked to the 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 a key building block for the future.

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

The Early Years – Small Premises, Strong Drive

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

The first employees played a key role in building up the company’s operations in service, sales, and finance. As the business grew, the office moved to larger premises in the same building in Kullavik, and the expansion gained momentum.

Reliability as a guiding principle

ZRS has always been guided by a clear core value: 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, assist, and guide them.

The company has built its business on flexibility, a customer-first approach, and a commitment to creating solutions that work in the real world. This approach has led to long-standing customer relationships and strong trust in several of the Nordic region’s most demanding industries.

Growth Through Expertise—and a Service Manager Who Made a Difference

One of the most important milestones came when Christer Larsson was hired as service manager. Under his leadership, the service operations gained a clearer focus, and the company was able to expand its range of services. The increased demand meant that the organization soon needed to hire more service engineers and strengthen its technical expertise—an investment that has been crucial to the high level of service provided today.

Expansion in the Nordic Region—and the Future Together with Momentum Group

With the establishment of the ZRN Testing Systems AS In Norway, the Nordic presence was further strengthened. Halvor Fossli has run the business as a separate company in close collaboration with the engineers at ZRS.

ZRS also provides service to Denmark and the Baltic states as needed and has expanded its product portfolio to include 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 clout it needs to continue growing and developing new markets.

In 2025, Stefan handed over the position of CEO to Christer Larsson, who has held various roles within the company since he joined. Stefan took a step back and continued to contribute as an advisor for the rest of the year. When Halvor decided to move on, ZRS took over ZRN’s operations at the end of the year.

Milestones

• 2004 – ZRS is founded in Gothenburg
• 2007 – Accreditation in accordance with ISO 17025 (SWEDAC)
• 2014 – Establishment of the Norwegian company ZRN Testing Systems AS
• 2024 – ZRS is joining the Momentum Group
• 2025 – Christer Larsson is appointed CEO