How Furab gained new insights and growth through Navigator Scaleup

A family business with roots in agriculture, a strong drive to evolve, and a growth program that offered structure, perspective, and valuable new connections. When Marcus Furusköld, CEO of Furab, sums up two years in the Navigator Scaleup program, it’s with deep gratitude for everything it has contributed. The insights have been many, the coaching concrete, and the network invaluable.

From tradition to innovation

Furab is a family-owned industrial company that has been delivering technical solutions to the agricultural sector since the 1960s. Today, the business is much broader, specializing in agrotechnical equipment, screw conveyors, feed silos, and weather protection structures such as arched steel halls made from Swedish steel. The company currently has a turnover of around SEK 55 million and employs 20 people.

“We’ve seen strong organic growth over the past four to five years, without any acquisitions. We manufacture most of what we sell ourselves and are also responsible for installation and commissioning,” says Marcus Furusköld.

Marcus represents the third generation of the family to run the company, which he now owns together with his wife.

“There was never any clear expectation from previous generations that I would take over, but I’ve always been interested. I worked part-time in the company while studying agronomy at Uppsala University.”

Support with perfect timing

The idea to apply for Navigator Scaleup came from the company’s bank contact – and it turned out to be spot on. The program, aimed at micro and small businesses in Skaraborg with growth ambitions, provided both space for reflection and support for strategic development.

“I’m usually quite cautious about joining programs like this, but this one sounded really promising from the start,” Marcus recalls.

Through coaching sessions, workshops, and dialogue with Science Park Skövde, Furab received guidance on questions that are often hard to prioritize in a busy daily routine. Marcus describes the program as a forum where important questions were raised – and where the answers often led to new insights.

“It’s been valuable to meet smart people who dare to ask tough questions. That’s more important than many realize.”

Tangible results and stronger networks

A large part of the program’s value came from the personal support of the coaches – both through strategic analyses and guidance in practical procurements. In addition, the program helped Furab establish new connections that have continued to be valuable even after it ended.

“The coaches have supported us with different types of analyses and reviews, while also guiding us through various procurement processes,” Marcus explains.

The impact of participating in the program has been clear, even if it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what drove what.

“We’ve grown, without a doubt. Furab has developed, and we’ve gained many valuable insights along the way.”

For Marcus personally, the program also became an opportunity to grow as a business leader. Through exchanges with others in similar positions, he gained new tools for communication and leadership.

“It’s been a really good arena for building a network with people who’ve made similar journeys and grown quickly. I’ve learned how to think and communicate to better understand what’s required in my role,” Marcus concludes.