Making every move count: Celebrating Thomas Malmborg’s 37-year legacy at Kalmar
After nearly four decades of unwavering dedication, global leadership, and transformative growth, Thomas Malmborg, President of Kalmar Services, is preparing for his next chapter in life. Before welcoming Tamara de Gruyter as Kalmar’s new President of Services on 1 September 2026, let’s look back at the legendary journey of a leader who truly helped build the Kalmar we know today.
Born on the factory floor: A Småland heritage
For many, a career at a global company begins with a job application. For Thomas, it began much earlier. Thomas grew up in Lidhult, Småland - the historic heartland where Kalmar’s legendary forklift production first originated. In 1949, workers at the local sawmill mounted a lifting fork onto a tractor, leading to the creation of Lidhults Mekaniska Verkstad (LMV). Thomas has often shared that he practically grew up on that very factory floor, surrounded by the hum of machinery, the smell of steel, and the proud Småland work ethic.
"I remember growing up with such a strong sense of heritage. In my family, there’s over 150 years of connection to Kalmar. My father started in the sawmill in Lidhult in the 1950s and later moved into managing the Service workshop, and my mother worked in the parts store—so it’s always been about hard work and dedication in our family,” Thomas recollects.
That early foundation made it almost inevitable that he would professionally walk through our doors. In 1989, he officially joined the company as the Head of the Kalmar Training Centre in Sweden. From those first days teaching others how to master and maintain our machines, Thomas’s journey was defined by a rare combination of hands-on service and natural, empathetic leadership.
In 1989, Lidhults Mekaniska Verkstad deployed the world's largest remote-controlled forklifts, capable of lifting 80-ton pipes in the Libyan desert—a feat recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.
From West Africa to the global stage
Thomas’s career was never destined to stay in one place. He was always willing to step out of his comfort zone to help Kalmar grow. In 1993, he made a bold move to Lagos, Nigeria, to lead Service Management for Kalmar West Africa. This formative international experience solidified his global perspective and his lifelong belief that to lead effectively, you must understand your operations and support your people directly on the ground, wherever they may be.
"Reflecting on my time in Africa, I learned so much about resilience. We faced immense difficulties, but it was the local team’s positive attitude and irrepressible sense of humour that allowed us to overcome every hurdle. Seeing that spark in their eyes—the determination to solve any challenge — completely changed my perspective on leadership. It taught me that no matter the obstacles, with the right team spirit, everything is possible," Thomas says.
Upon returning to Sweden, Thomas held a succession of increasingly critical leadership roles, including Product Support Manager, General Manager of Know-How Service, and General Manager of Parts and Logistics.
In 2005, his journey came full circle. Thomas returned to his roots, stepping up to lead the forklift business. Over the next 12 years, he served successively as Vice President of Light Forklifts, Vice President of Medium Forklifts, and ultimately Vice President of Forklift Trucks for Kalmar Mobile Equipment. The boy who had run around the Lidhult factory floor was now guiding the global strategy for the very machines that defined his childhood.
Handing over the 1000th G-Generation Medium Forklift to a customer in Norway
"Working with our big machines has always been a source of immense pride for me. It was never just about manufacturing equipment—it was about quality, engineering, and the dedicated people across every business line, R&D, production, and operations who brought them to life," Thomas reflects.
In 2017, Thomas stepped into senior services leadership, culminating in his appointment as President of Kalmar Services in 2024.
Thank You, Thomas
Thomas has embodied Kalmar’s signature promise: spending his life making every move count for Kalmar, its customers, and its global family.
"For 37 years, my mission has been to ensure that Kalmar never stands still. We have started the journey toward a service-driven company, moving from the technical know-how of the 90s to the digital dashboards of today. But looking back, it is our people, our shared passion, and our customers who have truly made the difference. We win together, we overcome challenges together, and we build the future together. As I pass the baton, I do so with immense pride and complete confidence in what lies ahead. Thank you for an unforgettable journey—let’s continue making every move count," Thomas concludes.
Please join in thanking Thomas for his incredible legacy and wishing him the absolute best in his well-deserved next chapter.
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