NIB signs loan agreement with Husqvarna for R&D investments

Photo: Husqvarna AB

NIB and the Swedish producer of outdoor power products Husqvarna AB have signed a seven-year loan agreement of SEK 1 billion (EUR 100.80 million) to finance R&D investments during 2017–2019.

Husqvarna’s R&D programme for 2017–2019 focuses on the development of battery-powered equipment for the forestry and garden sectors, as well as on the advancement of robotics and increased connectivity and new generations of chain saws.

Battery-operated equipment is expected to gradually gain market share on behalf of equipment that uses combustion engines. The primary aim of the battery-powered equipment programme is to develop customer oriented products with lower noise levels and reduced emissions into the air. Meanwhile further development of connectivity technologies will strengthen the product portfolio of Husqvarna in light of ongoing digital transformation and the pronounced urbanisation process.

Husqvarna has a strong track record of innovation and collaborates with both academia and the private sector. The majority of the research will be carried out at the company’s R&D centre in Jönköping, Sweden.

Husqvarna AB is a leading producer of outdoor power products for forest, park and garden care, as well as light construction products for sawing, drilling, grinding, polishing and demolishing concrete and other hard materials. Founded in 1689, the company employs around 13,000 people in 40 countries today.

NIB is an international financial institution owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. The Bank finances private and public projects in and outside the member countries. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.

For further information, please contact
Mr Nicolas Audibert, Director, Origination, at +358 10 618 0689,

Mr Arild Moen, Senior Communications Officer, at +358 10 618 0496,