Our history at NCC
NCC has a rich history dating back to 1875. Through continuous innovation and competence development, NCC has evolved and taken on increasingly larger and more complex projects. Today, we continue to develop projects, processes, and expertise, and are well positioned to realize our customers' visions in an ever-changing world.
NCC is a leading construction company in the Nordic region with a history shaped by several companies that have merged and developed into a whole. It begins as early as 1875 when Nya Asfalt AB – one of the companies forming the foundation of NCC – brings asphalt to Sweden to modernize the roads in rapidly growing cities due to industrialization. This marks the beginning of a journey that not only shapes Sweden's infrastructure but also becomes part of the development of society in the Nordic region.
From highways to the Million homes program
During the first half of the 20th century, our business is characterized by roads and other infrastructure, as well as public buildings and housing.
In the 1950s, we are involved in building Sweden's first highway. We also build the Nordic region's largest event arena, (new) Ullevi, in Gothenburg.
We accumulate experience and new knowledge with each project. We are leading in the development of prefabricated building elements, which revolutionizes the industry. This method is extensively used in the 1960s program to build one million new homes in ten years in response to the housing crisis.
During this period, new suburbs are also constructed as centers integrating residential areas, workplaces and commercial centers, with Farsta Center south of Stockholm being an example that we help build.
Complex projects and specialization
In 1988, several companies are merged into one, creating NCC, Nordic Construction Company, a company capable of taking on increasingly larger and more complex projects in the Nordic region. Examples include Globen – the world's largest spherical building at the time – the tunnel section of the Öresund Link, Arlanda Express, Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel.
These new large projects also breed ideas around the need for collaboration and specialization. In the 2000s, we introduce partnering – a collaborative model that leverages the experience and knowledge of all parties and sets a new standard in the industry. NCC leads the way, constructing several successful school and hospital projects.
During this time, we also specialize in the construction of swim centers and water and wastewater treatment facilities – further examples of technically demanding projects.
The issue of climate change gains increasing focus in the industry. Project resources are optimized and we work to reduce emissions and environmental impact at every stage. Efficiency is enhanced using digital models for planning and executing construction projects.
From asphalt to AI – continuous development
With significant investments in competence development, a data-informed approach, and utilization of AI, we continue to strengthen processes and expertise.
From 19th-century asphalt paving to today's complex mega-projects – our history is marked by innovation, collaboration, and the ability to continuously develop. We systematically leverage the collective knowledge within the large company and the experience gained from thousands of completed projects. This makes us well positioned to continue realizing our customers' visions in a constantly changing world.
Some historical pictures
1875 – Nya Asfalt AB paves the streets of Stockholm
1954 – First highway in Sweden (Malmö-Lund)
1958 – Ullevi, Gothenburg
1960 – Farsta Center, Stockholm
1988 – NCC is formed (Photo: NCC’s archive at Centre for Business History in Sweden)
1989 – Globen (Avicii Arena), Stockholm, is completed
1997 – Arlanda Express
1998 – Gardermoen Airport, Oslo
2000 – Øresund Link, Sweden-Denmark (Photo: NCC’s archive at Centre for Business History in Sweden)
2000 – Lærdal Tunnel, Norway
2023 – Nyt Hospital Nordsjælland, Denmark