Darko Pervan of Välinge Innovation and the Bjelin Group was one of eight recipients honored recently by the Swedish Royal Patriotic Society. The annual Swedish Enterprise Medal, presented by HRH Prince Daniel, was given to Pervan “for transforming the flooring industry with a clever invention and building a world-leading company.”
After working in various industrial companies including developing the world’s first laminate flooring, Pervan founded Välinge Innovation in 1994. His invention was a clickable floor that enabled the installation of floors without glue or nails.
“What I am most proud of is I have developed the mechanical locking system for laminate, parquet and vinyl flooring,” he stated. “To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to start with the most important thing: identifying a genuine problem.”
His technology development company today holds more than 3,500 patents and 300 licensees for its products worldwide. The family recently consolidated its flooring products under the Bjelin Group, where a range of new, environmentally friendly products are being developed, the company stated.
