President of SKF China, Erik Nelander, was awarded with the prestigious Magnolia award at the ceremony of the Magnolia Award on September 14. The award was presented to him by the Shanghai Municipal Government for his significant contribution to Shanghai’s social and economic development.
The Magnolia award is the city’s top honour for expatriates. Named after the city’s flower, winners receive a certificate and silver medal as part of the award.
Director of Shanghai Municipal foreign affairs office, Li Mingjun, expressed the gratitude of the city and its citizens at the ceremony, also the occasion of the 100th anniversary of SKF China.
Nelander has been working in Shanghai for many years. He said he was glad that SKF’s pursuit of technical development, innovation, and market growth as well as SKF Care activities such as the forestry project in Fuxin county, Liaoning, and the “Meet the World” Youth Football Tournament and Gothia Cup, is recognised.
“Since the first time I have arrived in Shanghai in 2000, I’ve witnessed tremendous changes here,” Nelander said.
“This honour provides great encouragement to continue to contribute to Shanghai as well as China. Most importantly, this is the local government’s recognition of SKF and our contribution to the city and the whole nation.”
He added that, “SKF is like a caring family of many talents. I’m grateful that we have the many talented people here.”
Erik Nelander joined SKF in 1987 and was appointed President of SKF China in 2010. He has held a number of management positions within the SKF Group, including Director, Aerospace & Super Precision Bearings Business Unit; Managing Director of SKF Sweden and Managing Director of SKF Mekan AB.
SKF is the leading global supplier of products, solutions and services within bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems. In 1912, five years after Sven Winquist established the company, the first SKF agent in China. SKF started to set up its manufacturing facilities in China from 1994. Now, SKF China, which has its headquarters in Shanghai, has over 7,000 employees, 18 production units and many sales and service units.
