12 Jan 2012

ASSA helps Eriksberg become top of the class

The investment of over 200 million had been launched and the target was set. Then lighting struck at Eriksberg. Two buildings were completely destroyed. Now they are built up again. – The target remains. To become the best, says Per-Arne Olsson, Eriksberg's CEO.

Eriksberg is situated one Swedish mile outside Karlshamn and is completely surrounded by forest, sea, fences and gates with intercom. In the area of fallow deer roam, red deer, wild boar, mouflon and bison.

-Eriksberg is both a nature reserve and Sweden’s largest wildlife reserves, so our land is not subject to the Swedish common rights. To enter without permission is in principle a violation of the law. In here, our visitors meet the animals under their own conditions, says Per-Arne Olsson.

But solitude can hold more advantages than that, and that is why Eriksberg invest many millions in the restaurant kitchen, the wine cellar, conference technology, security and exclusive bedrooms.

-  Here managers can retreat and make important decisions in peace. Many people who come here are excited and stressed, but here they wind down rather quickly. The environment takes them down to earth.

The initiative started in 2008 when the financier Rune Andersson, through his company Mellby Farm, acquired Eriksberg from the Forestry Society and a determined standard raise was initiated at all levels.

Two houses burned

Among other things, a cattle shed wing from 1830 was beautifully renovated to a modern restaurant kitchen with dining room.

- We used the premises for two or three months before the lightning struck on July 17, 2010, says Per-Arne Olsson.

- All that was left of the buildings after the clean-up were stone walls, he continues.
Per-Arne Olsson speaks quickly, and just as quickly regained Eriksberg focus after the lightning impact.

High protection

In early 2011 they started, and in a few months the two buildings are ready for service. The building that was already renovated, have been restored with a few improvements, while the second building is furnished with wine tasting room, wine cellar and an exhibition hall.

- Our mission has been to reconstruct the buildings’ exterior to their previous look. For the interior, we have also tried to recreate an old-style, for example with beams in the ceiling, says architect Pär Tyrberg on JAARK.

Construction projects manager Kajsa Eriksson, calls the project "a privilege".

- It's really a privilege to be part of this. This is a rather complex construction. The buildings must have high security solutions, there must be evacuation for all conference and hotel guests, while there have been high demands on aesthetics.

It has been very important that the products have a high quality appearance and that they blend in very well in the old environment.

- The customer has been clear. They should have the best and hottest products with the best features.

Bullet-proof windows

In addition to the renovation of the two cattle shed wings, Eriksberg is building a new villa located a few kilometers away from the main building, with five exclusive classified bedrooms with bulletproof windows.

- We want to provide residents with an extra level of security and safety for guests who wish to do so. The precise security level is determined together with the guest when booking.

And the journey towards the goal remains. Per-Arne Olsson quotes Erik's owner, Rune Andersson:
- For him there are only two options: to be number one or number two. We will be the best at what we do and we think not only nationally but also internationally. - We have something extra at Eriksberg and we will succeed.