Our history at NCC
NCC has a rich history dating back to 1875. Through continuous innovation and skills 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-equipped 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 societal development in the Nordics.
From highways to the Million housing 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.
Experience and new knowledge accumulate with each project. We are leading in the development of prefabricated building elements, revolutionizing 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 Centrum south of Stockholm being an example that we help build.
Complex projects and specialization
Several companies merge in 1988, creating NCC, Nordic Construction Company, a company capable of taking on increasingly larger and more complex projects across the Nordics. Examples include Globen – the world's largest spherical building at the time – the tunnel section of the Öresund connection, Arlanda Express, Gardermoen Airport, and Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel.
With these new large projects, ideas about the need for collaboration and specialization are born. In the 2000s, we introduce partnering – a form of collaboration that leverages the experiences and knowledge of all parties in a construction project – setting a new standard in the industry. NCC leads the way with several successful school and hospital projects.
We also specialize in swimming pools and water and sewage treatment – further examples of technically demanding assignments.
At the same time, climate issues gain increasing focus. We optimize resources in our projects and work to reduce emissions and environmental impact at all levels. New technology, such as digital models for planning and executing construction projects (VDC), increases efficiency.
From asphalt to AI – continuous development
With significant investments in skills development, a data-informed approach, and the use of AI, we continue to strengthen both processes and expertise.
From 19th-century asphalt paving to today's complex mega-projects – our history is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and the ability to continuously develop. We systematically leverage the collective knowledge within the large company and experiences from thousands of completed projects. This makes us well-equipped to continue realizing our customers' visions in a constantly changing world.
Some historical pictures
1. 2002 - Kista Science Tower was finished
2. 1988 - Globen was built by NCC
3. 1988 - NCC's chairman of the board Bernt Magnusson and CEO Torsten Eriksson is holding up the new site sign
4.1987 - The Vasa Museum was built by NCC
5. 1985-1988 - Construction of highway tunnel, Danmark Guldborgsund