Our history

It all started with builder John Mattson

In 1945, builder John Mattson starts his company, John Mattson Byggnads AB, now JM AB. During the 1950s, JM grows and the welfare state takes shape. American culture floods over country lines and Swedish design is beginning to peak. The standard of housing rises, focusing on families, and new areas are built on the Work, Home, Center principle. For instance, JM builds housing for HSB in Stockholm, Farsta, Nacka and Saltsjöbaden. The company also launches the new townhouse and link-detached housing concepts. At first, the public is sceptical, but eventually, sales increase.

The 1960s, 70s and 80s

Pop music is all the rage. In response to the need for housing in Sweden in the 1960s, homes are built in what is called the Miljonprogrammet initiative. Stockholm City is in the throes of change and JM helps construct Hötorgs City. Construction of Wennergren Center is completed. In the area of Norrköping, JM builds Kolmården Zoo. In 1965, John Mattson sells the company’s construction operations to AB Industrivärden and steps down from the CEO role. He stays on as the Chairman of the Board until 1979. During this period, the company grows through a long list of acquisitions. JM is also established in Belgium. Bold colors and rounded shapes. It is the 70s and IKEA starts to really make an impact on Swedish homes. Great numbers of people move out of the cities in the ‘Green Wave’ or gather in collectives. Among other projects, JM builds Kulturhuset in Stockholm. In the 80s, architecture is characterized by post-modernism and JM creates the new Södra Station residential area in Stockholm.

JM becomes listed

JM is listed on the market in 1982. Five years later, Skanska acquires Industrivärden's JM shares and becomes a majority owner.

Through sales and acquisitions via non-cash issue in 1995, JM's financial position is significantly strengthened, while JM acquires two new major shareholders (Apoteksbolaget and Bergaliden). In 1996, further ownership diversification and increased trading in the share is created when major shareholders sell their shares.

During the 1990s, recession turns into IT euphoria. Investments are made in quality in housing. Light, space and sound materials are key concepts at this time. JM builds Millesgården’s new Art Hall and Europe’s first intelligent housing area, “The Smart House”, on Värmdö outside Stockholm.

JM establishes operations in Finland, Norway and Denmark

At the end of the 90s, investments in future projects are ensured through major property sales and refinement of the project developer role.

In 1998, JM acquires the Norwegian construction company Byggholt AS. Byggholt runs similar operations to JM, focused on developing residential projects and contract work. One year later, JM is also established in Denmark. JM reorganizes and has new financial targets.

In the early 2000s, Skanska sells its shares. JM continues to sell fully developed properties and is able to make substantial acquisitions of residential properties for development.

In 2005, JM celebrates its 60th anniversary. We build about 4,000 residences each year, have an annual sales total of over SEK 8 billion and have approximately 2,200 employees.

In 2006, JM establishes operations in Finland, focusing on the capital city region (Greater Helsinki).

JM continues to grow in Norway by acquiring construction and project development company Öie AS in Oslo in 2011.

In 2015, we celebrate our 70th anniversary. 

JM certifies all of its residential units in accordance with the Swan Ecolabel and celebrates 75 years

In 2008, JM introduced low-energy buildings as the standard in all residential production in Sweden. Ten years later, JM became the first Nordic construction company to certify all its residential units developed in-house according to the Swan Ecolabel (residences in progress from January 1, 2018). The efforts we have made over a period of years to create a reduced environmental impact and sustainable development are becoming more visible for housing customers.

In 2020, JM celebrated 75 years.