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Vaggeryd municipality holds a black belt in collaboration
PUBLISHED 06-27-2025
Vaggeryd has quickly become a key logistics hub. With a strong culture of collaboration, direct trains to the Port of Gothenburg, and ambitious plans for the future, it proves how smaller municipalities can make a big impact.
Article in short
Vaggeryd has evolved into a regional logistics hub through bold planning and strong public-private collaboration.
The municipality benefits from four motorway exits and a strategically located intermodal terminal.
Direct rail links to the Port of Gothenburg are critical for exports and sustainability.
Ongoing investments in rail infrastructure will further boost capacity and flexibility.
Vaggeryd works closely with neighboring municipalities to drive innovation and attract new businesses.
While Gnosjö spirit and entrepreneurship once defined Vaggeryd Municipality, the focus has clearly shifted to logistics.
“We’ve grown alongside many large logistics companies and play a big role in what we now call the Jönköping logistics region, together with Nässjö and Jönköping,” says Johan Thorsell, Head of Business Development in Vaggeryd.
“We’ve also had bold politicians and officials over the years who’ve helped us stay ahead of the curve. A great example is when the E4 motorway was expanded – we ended up with four of the six new exits. I doubt any other municipality our size has achieved that,” says Gert Jonsson (M), municipal commissioner.
Their courage and early investment in Båramo and its logistics area have been crucial. The secret? A close partnership between the municipality and the local business community, something confirmed by fellow commissioner Jörgen Johansson (C).
“Being a small municipality is actually one of our strengths. We have great collaboration and a strong business climate – something we’re determined to keep improving,” he says.
Face-to-face meetings and relationship building are central to Thorsell’s approach – and he has the full support of local politicians. That collaborative mindset leads to solutions that benefit everyone.
“There’s a classic Småland saying – we don’t make things complicated. We aim to be fast, flexible, and easy to deal with,” says Gert Jonsson.
“Service is crucial,” adds Jörgen Johansson. “A high level of service benefits businesses, schools and the whole community.”
Despite having just 15,000 residents, Vaggeryd is in expansion mode. With one to two establishment inquiries every week, the municipality’s urban planning department rivals that of much larger cities. Growth is happening both in towns and rural areas.
“To keep growing, we need to raise our overall appeal and attract more skilled people,” says Johansson, noting the strength of local community organizations as well.
At the heart of it all is the railway connection to the Port of Gothenburg.
“Our intermodal terminal is vital for local companies. The railway is the backbone of our logistics network and the Port of Gothenburg is our key export hub,” says Thorsell.
With a heavy manufacturing presence in the region, global distribution is essential. That’s why Vaggeryd, despite its size, invested in its own terminal to boost attractiveness.
“We saw the potential of rail – especially in combination with our location along the E4. It’s become incredibly important,” says Johansson.
Ongoing work to electrify the railway line to Värnamo will further enhance the terminal’s sustainability profile.
“It opens up even more opportunities, more diversity, more business potential,” says Jonsson.
A new rail link between Byarum and Tenhult is also in development, cutting travel time across the region. The municipality is also hoping for direct service from Öresundståg and Pågatåg, which would help attract skilled workers. Their message to Stockholm is clear: invest in this small but mighty municipality.
“We’ve got strong regional ties. We often say we hold a black belt in collaboration – and that means a lot when everyone’s pulling in the same direction,” says Jonsson.
Railway development will also allow the intermodal terminal to evolve. Currently dominated by containers, it has potential to handle conventional railcars and trailers. Electrification will improve profitability, supporting a wider range of cargo.
With more transport comes more demand for sustainability. Across the region, companies are transitioning to electric and hydrogen solutions to cut CO2. Local businesses are leading the charge, and politicians are eager to support them.
Thorsell emphasizes the growing importance of decarbonizing last-mile transport using electricity, hydrogen, or similar. Longer distances should be covered by rail.
“We need to get trailers off the roads – not just for emissions, but to reduce congestion, especially as traffic increases due to the Fehmarn Belt connection,” he says.
Increased rail traffic also strengthens the need for cooperation with the Port of Gothenburg. The municipality has visited the port and seen its rapid development – and wants to be part of that momentum.
Direct connections from Gothenburg to the world are increasingly vital. Disruptions like the pandemic, Suez Canal blockage, and rising global tensions have heightened awareness of supply chain resilience.
Manufacturing is also returning to Sweden, driven by the country’s relative safety and stability. That’s beyond the municipality’s control – but one thing they can do, says Johansson, is support local businesses.
“We can listen and provide the right conditions for growth. That’s our most important job.”
They’re also working closely with nearby Nässjö and Jönköping to enhance the regional logistics profile. Their joint project, Evolve, focuses on logistics business development and linking to European innovation.
Of course, there’s a friendly rivalry with larger neighbor Jönköping – one that fuels progress on both sides.
“We’ve got the potential. Now it’s just about seizing our golden opportunity,” Jonsson concludes.
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