Ingvar Haglof Visits Campbell River
The Coastal Cruiser Supervisors Task Force of British Columbia invited Ingvar Haglof to its annual meeting in Campbell River BC. Haglof is the maker of the increment bores many of you use (the blue handled ones). In addition, they are producing the very popular "Vertex Hypsometer."
This photo shows Haglof receiving a print from Bert Vink, the chairman of the group, signed by many of the 80-100 cruisers which attend this conference each year. It is probably the largest gathering of practical cruisers anywhere in Western North America, and Campbell River is a perfect place for it. There is a sea of yellow and red rain gear and a wealth of practical experience at this meeting.
Ingvar phoned Sweden from the conference after the first day, and had changes suggested by the cruisers in production by the end of the week. His company has one of the most widely distributed product lines in Sweden, with sales to countries all over the world.
As we understand it, the grandfather started work on the increment bore when it was first invented as a hired craftsmen, and the family later purchased the right to make and distribute it. Once done by hand, they are now produced by computer controlled lathes.
Ingvar actually came to the family business after a successful career with Husqvarna – not from the chain saw end of the company, but from their firearms branch. He says that making rifle barrels and increment bores is very similar, but increment bores are more difficult. Ingvar lets his son run the company these days, and spends his time on special projects. He travels to many parts of the world, visiting forestry conferences and fishing. He is an avid fly fisherman.
The main sales of the company are now in electronic products, notably electronic calipers. Rather than key in the data to a handheld recorder, they have taken the next step of having the electronic caliper talk directly to the very small and lightweight computer.
