Focusing on small, everyday assignments

The majority of Instalco’s assignments are in the market’s mid-sized segment with projects in the size range of SEK 1 million to 75 million. One Instalco company that has chosen to focus on small assignments is the venerable Lidingö Elektriska.

Lidingö Elektriska is one of the Instalco companies that have chosen to prioritise smaller contracts over large ones. The company’s everyday business primarily involves ongoing service work, renovations, and projects where proximity to the end user is central – from private individuals to housing cooperatives, smaller construction companies, and municipalities.

"We do what we are good at, and therefore we steer clear of the large contracts. It has been that way ever since the company was founded in the 1930s," says Jimmy Eriksson, CEO of Lidingö Elektriska.

The company consists of eight fitters and two people in the office. Jimmy Eriksson has worked in the company for 15 years and took office as CEO in 2024. The business is characterised by variation, both in the content of the assignments and in meeting people.

"I like the personal contact. One day we are at a private individual’s home, the next day we are working for a housing cooperative or a smaller construction firm."

Housing cooperative the typical custumer
A typical project is the ongoing work at a housing cooperative on Lidingö, where Lidingö Elektriska is replacing meter panels and rewiring rising ains from the basement to the apartments. Fundamental work that often leads to follow-on projects.

"It is a couple of hundred hours of work, with two to three men on site at all times. All residents remain in their homes during the work, so planning is absolutely critical."

Planning and communication are precisely what Jimmy Eriksson keeps returning to. Closures, access, and dialogue with residents must function smoothly for the work to flow.

"We should not have to make decisions when something has already happened. That is why it is important that we have clear plans and solutions for different scenarios before we start."

Working in people’s homes places high demands on the installers, both professionally and socially.

"Material knowledge is a given, but customer service is at least as important. Cleaning, communication, and getting in touch if you are going to be late – that is fundamental for us."

Focus on a broad offering
Lidingö Elektriska rarely ties itself to a single customer or a large project. Instead, breadth and flexibility are sought, from fixture replacements in housing cooperatives to temporary installations at events such as Lidingöloppet.

"Managing the business this way makes it less vulnerable. We are quick off the mark and can manoeuvre even in challenging times."

During the economic downturn, Lidingö Elektriska has maintained its focus on customer relationships and presence out in the field.

"As CEO, I cannot sit and wait for the jobs to come to us. It is about being out there, listening to customers, building long-term relationships and selling our services. The fact that they get in touch again is the best testimonial we can get. We are like a team working closely together. The employees keep their eyes and ears open and are involved in bringing in assignments to the firm," says Jimmy Eriksson.