Eleiko History - 1957

From waffle irons to the world’s leader in lifting

Eleiko, a Swedish company based in Halmstad, is a manufacturer of small kitchen appliances, including waffle irons. In 1957 an inspired idea forever changes the company’s direction. Eleiko’s factory supervisor, Mr Hellström, an avid weightlifter tired of barbells constantly bending and breaking, is determined to find a better solution. He approaches Mrs Johansson, the managing director, with an idea for a barbell and receives permission to pursue the project. Eleiko works closely with a Swedish steel company to formulate special hardened steel – a proprietary mix perfected over time and still in use today. The barbell appropriately has waffle-pattern knurling, a nod to the company’s history.