Production of Saab Upholstery Resumes in Sweden, 13 Years After Factory Closure

From Artex heritage to a new Saab chapter

It began with a phone call—and a vision. When Trollhättan’s legendary textile manufacturer Artex moved its operations in mid-2024, a century-old local tradition seemed at risk. Artex, founded in 1928 in Mjölby, had survived the collapse of Sweden’s textile industry in the 1970s and continued to produce everything from car interiors to wardrobes and home furnishings. But as their Trollhättan location closed, a unique opportunity emerged.

Joakim Bratell, a lifelong Saab enthusiast and entrepreneur, saw more than machines and leftover inventory—he saw continuity. Through his company Bratell Harvest & Engine AB, he acquired Artex’s sewing equipment, patterns, leather rolls, and tools. His goal: restart the manufacturing of Saab leather interiors for a passionate global community.

With help from Hedin Parts and Saab’s legacy

The spark for this revival came in part from Hedin Parts, which was searching for authentic leather seat covers for Saab 9-3 Convertibles. These cars, prone to interior wear from sun and rain, needed quality replacements—and there was no better place than Trollhättan to make them.

Hedin helped facilitate the transfer of Artex inventory to Bratell’s company, including industrial sewing machines, original Saab seat patterns, and genuine leather. Now based at a compact but fully equipped workshop in Trestad Center, Joakim and his team are back in production.

Alongside workshop manager Magnus Axelsson, who previously worked with Artex and Lear Seating, Bratell reassembled a dream team. Among them: Eila Lilja, a veteran Saab seamstress with more than 40 years of experience.

Eila Lilja: still stitching after retirement

Though the spotlight now shines on Bratell’s entrepreneurial drive, Eila Lilja’s return from retirement remains an emotional subplot. When Artex closed, she officially stepped away. But when Magnus called, she couldn’t say no. Now she’s passing on her expertise to a new generation, including apprentice Emma Hallgren-Lagerup.

Eila can still complete a full Saab leather interior—two front seats and a rear bench—in just a week. Her attention to detail is legendary. “The stitch must be exactly 0.5mm from the edge,” she says. “Any more, and it shows.” She works entirely by hand, tracing leather with silver markers and cutting each piece manually. The cost of a full set? About 32,000 SEK (~$3,100), depending on model and options.

A future built on precision, passion, and Saab DNA

The workshop may be small, but it’s rich in tools, know-how, and Saab-specific materials. Hooks along the wall store labeled templates for each model, like hook 7:7 for the 9-3 Convertible backrest. Not all original materials are still available, but Joakim is clear with customers: “We’ll do everything we can to match the original. When substitutions are needed, it’s always the client’s choice.”

While current production focuses on 9-3 Convertibles and the 2010–2011 9-5, Joakim plans to expand to other Saab models—and potentially other brands. There’s even talk of sewing boat canopies and camper awnings, depending on demand.

“There are still close to a million Saabs on the road. The interest in keeping them original is enormous, especially across Europe. And I’m a Saab nerd myself—I know this will work.” – Joakim Bratell

A growing operation with room to expand

At the Trestad Center, there’s still space to grow. If demand increases, Bratell won’t hesitate to hire more seamstresses or expand into a larger facility. For now, his focus remains on quality craftsmanship, limited production, and Saab authenticity.

This isn’t mass manufacturing. It’s artisanal. A single front seat may require 10 to 15 distinct leather pieces. Templates, thread, foam, backing—all cut, stitched, and assembled manually.

Eila keeps most patterns memorized. Emma is learning them from the thick binders. “It’s amazing to work under someone who knows the craft so deeply,” Emma says.

Stitching identity back into the seats

While production has resumed, it’s not just about seats—it’s about identity. The feel of a Saab interior is something enthusiasts instantly recognize. With Bratell’s initiative, that feeling won’t be lost to time.

Thanks to one entrepreneur’s vision and a seamstress’s unmatched memory, Saab interiors will continue to live—stitched, panel by panel, in Trollhättan.

How to order new Saab upholstery: what every owner needs to know

While the resumed production of Saab upholstery by Artex in Trollhättan is an exciting milestone for preservation and restoration, it’s important to understand that these covers are not sold directly to end customers. Instead, they are distributed through a select network of specialist Saab parts retailers.

Why you don’t buy directly from the manufacturer

Production at Artex (operated under Bratell Harvest & Engine AB) remains small-scale and high-quality — focused on authenticity. The company uses original Saab tooling, templates, and leather stock from the Trollhättan factory days. This heritage approach means Artex delivers upholstery to Saab’s authorized parts partner, Hedin Parts, rather than running a consumer webshop.

In turn, Hedin Parts supplies these items through trusted Saab parts retailers across Europe. These suppliers manage:

• part number verification
• vehicle model/year compatibility
• material and stitching codes
• international shipping and logistics

This chain ensures quality control, traceability, and proper VIN-based matching.

What to check before placing an order

If you’re planning to restore or refresh your Saab’s interior, here’s what to prepare:

• Identify your Saab model precisely — year, body type, and seat configuration (e.g., 2006 9‑3 Convertible with heated front seats and two-tone leather).
• Ask the retailer if the covers are made at the Artex Trollhättan facility using Saab’s original patterns. Look for confirmation that they are Hedin Parts-supplied.
• Check lead times: some items are built to order, and may be listed as “pre-order” or “ships in 7–10 days.”
• Confirm pricing: complete upholstery sets (full interior) can cost around 32,000 SEK (~US $3,100) depending on model and material.
• Plan for professional installation: due to the complexity of seat contours and airbag systems, installation is best done by a skilled upholsterer.

Where to find and order authentic Saab seat upholstery

Here are three verified specialist suppliers offering Hedin Parts upholstery kits for various Saab models, including the 9‑3, 9‑5 NG, and others:

• R&D Car Parts (Netherlands)
  Well-stocked Saab parts specialist with interior and seat-specific categories. Offers international shipping.
• Hedin Parts Web Portal (Sweden)
  Official supplier of Saab Genuine Parts. May require account creation or business login for full catalog access.
• Skandix (Germany)
  Offers a wide range of Saab seat components, often labeled with “Hedin Saab Parts” branding. Excellent VIN lookup and English-language support.

These vendors are preferred by Saab restorers and enthusiast workshops across Europe.

Final advice before ordering

• Always verify material codes and colors –  many Saab interiors featured exclusive leathers and stitching patterns unique to trim levels (e.g., Aero, Vector, Griffin).
• Save all documentation – invoice, part numbers, communication  – especially if ordering for a concours or factory-accurate restoration.
• Keep in mind: quality has its price and pace. These are not generic aftermarket covers, but original-spec replacements from the same city and hands that built the last Saabs.