History The Vision to Make a Difference

Our origin story

The journey began at Rönnskärsverken, a metal processing plant near Skellefteå, Sweden. In the 1970s, cleaning lead furnaces was arduous and hazardous work. Workers, encumbered by blocks of wood and masks, had to crawl into scorching furnaces to manually remove slag and brick with handheld tools. The demolition industry was underdeveloped, until two entrepreneurial brothers, Lars and Per-Martin Holmgren, saw an opportunity to improve the safety and efficiency of demolition.

From Prototype to Product

Recognizing a need for improvement within the demolition industry, entrepreneurial brothers Lars and Per-Martin Holmgren envisioned a machine that would transform demolition safety and efficiency. Their original prototype, crafted from components of existing machines, introduced the industry’s first remote-controlled system. This innovation not only safeguarded workers from dangerous environments but also halved job completion time.

While our product has evolved significantly, the core principles established by the Holmgren brothers remain integral to the Brokk machines of today.

How Brokk Got its Name

The company gained further momentum with Börje Hedlund joining as a business partner. With the Brokk 250 in production, the team needed a distinctive and compelling name that was as unique and powerful as their machine. Drawing inspiration from Nordic mythology, they chose “Brokk,” named after a dwarf who is said to have forged Thor’s hammer. Symbolizing strength and resilience, Brokk was the perfect emblem for our powerful machines.

Today, Brokk machines are still in use at the original smelter, but their impact has expanded globally. Our robots now enhance safety and efficiency in workplaces around the world.

Brokk 250, the first serial produced Brokk robot.

Brokk milestones

• 1976: The companies, PE Holmgren & Rivteknik develop the world’s first demolition robot in Skellefteå, Sweden.
• 1981: The first mass produced remote-controlled demolition machine, the Brokk 250, hits the market.
• 1987: Another legendary remote-controlled machine is released, the first Brokk 100.
• 1994: The Brokk 110 and Brokk 150 are released. 1,000 Brokk machines delivered.
• 2000: The first international subsidiaries established in the USA and UK.
• 2005: Brokk opens office in China.
• 2006: Brokk acquires Darda in Germany, the world’s leading manufacturer of compact crusher attachments, splitters and other tools.
• 2007-2010: Intense product development, with the introduction of the Brokk 50, Brokk 400, Brokk 260 and Brokk 160.
• 2011: The biggest Brokk robot ever, the Brokk 800, sees the light of day.
• 2012: Brokk acquires Ahlberg Cameras, the world’s leading supplier of camera equipment for the nuclear industry.
• 2014: Brokk’s owner, Lifco, is listed on the Nasdaq OMX stock exchange.
• 2016: Brokk celebrates 40 years of relentless innovation.
• 2016: Brokk acquires Aquajet Systems, the world’s leading manufacturer of hydrodemolition robots and equipment.
• 2010-2017: Fast-paced international growth sees the establishment of Brokk Australia, Brokk France, Brokk Italia, Brokk China, Brokk Norway, Brokk Switzerland, Brokk Benelux and Brokk Middle East.
• 2011-2017: Industry-leading product development generates the Brokk 100, Brokk 60, Brokk 120D, Brokk 110, Brokk 280 and Brokk 500.
• 2017: Brokk introduces SmartPower™, the world’s most intelligent power system, purpose-built for heavy duty demolition robots.
• 2018: Brokk unveils four new machines – the Brokk 170, Brokk 200, Brokk 300 and Brokk 520D.
• 2018: Brokk introduces Brokk SmartConcept, consisting of the next generation of SmartPower™, SmartDesign™ and SmartRemote™.
• 2018: A new service and support concept reaches the market, called Brokk UpTime™.
• 2019: Brokk introduces the Brokk 70, the smallest demolition robot in the range.
• 2021: Brokk launches the Brokk 900, the worlds biggest demolition robot.
• 2021: Brokk Connect, an online platform developed especially for connected Brokk robots is announced.
• 2022: The launch of the online support platform, My Brokk, marks the next step in Brokk’s digital journey.