1980s – A Legacy of Strength Begins
At just 16, Finnish founder Kari Jernvall discovered his passion for fitness and bodybuilding. After years of training, competing, and studying engineering, he then moved to Sweden and began designing the first Gymleco machines.
By 1994, now in his 30s, Kari had built his first three machines. No one believed in him except himself, but he was determined to change the fitness industry with his innovative designs. His vision was clear: to create high-quality, compact, and maintenance-free strength equipment. Fun fact: those first three machines remain unchanged in design and are still sold worldwide today.
1995 - The first exhibition
In 1995, Kari Jernvall brought his first machines to Solnahallen in Stockholm, Sweden, to showcase his innovative designs. The exhibition sparked immediate interest, with visitors requesting machines that had yet to be created. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Kari returned home and began designing—marking the beginning of Gymleco’s journey.
Fun fact; during these first years, the machines were painted with a white and black frame.
2000 – Expansion of Product Line
The demand for Gymleco’s equipment grows in Sweden, leading to the development of a comprehensive range of gym machines, free weights, and accessories. Gymleco keeps launching new machines to the assortment and are active in local exhibitions.
2005 – International Growth
Gymleco starts expanding beyond Sweden, delivering high-quality fitness equipment to gyms and fitness centers across the Nordic countries. Fun fact; the first distributor outside Sweden was Norway and is still working with Gymleco after all these years.
2018 – Gymleco Goes Global
In 2018, Gymleco attended its first international expo, FIBO in Germany, marking a major milestone in our expansion. This event opened the doors to several new markets, establishing Gymleco as a key player in the global fitness industry. It was the biggest step in bringing Swedish quality gym equipment to gyms worldwide.
2022 - New Production Facility
To meet increasing international demand, Gymleco opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center in Sweden, improving efficiency and product availability worldwide.
2024 – 30 Years of Innovation
Gymleco celebrates 30 years in the fitness industry, continuing to push boundaries, develop cutting-edge gym solutions, and support the global fitness community. With over 45 distributors worldwide, Gymleco is rapidly becoming one of the industry's leading brands.
1980s – A Legacy of Strength Begins
At just 16, Finnish founder Kari Jernvall discovered his passion for fitness and bodybuilding. After years of training, competing, and studying engineering, he then moved to Sweden and began designing the first Gymleco machines.
By 1994, now in his 30s, Kari had built his first three machines. No one believed in him except himself, but he was determined to change the fitness industry with his innovative designs. His vision was clear: to create high-quality, compact, and maintenance-free strength equipment. Fun fact: those first three machines remain unchanged in design and are still sold worldwide today.
1995 - The first exhibition
In 1995, Kari Jernvall brought his first machines to Solnahallen in Stockholm, Sweden, to showcase his innovative designs. The exhibition sparked immediate interest, with visitors requesting machines that had yet to be created. Inspired by their enthusiasm, Kari returned home and began designing—marking the beginning of Gymleco’s journey.
Fun fact; during these first years, the machines were painted with a white and black frame.
2000 – Expansion of Product Line
The demand for Gymleco’s equipment grows in Sweden, leading to the development of a comprehensive range of gym machines, free weights, and accessories. Gymleco keeps launching new machines to the assortment and are active in local exhibitions.
2005 – International Growth
Gymleco starts expanding beyond Sweden, delivering high-quality fitness equipment to gyms and fitness centers across the Nordic countries. Fun fact; the first distributor outside Sweden was Norway and is still working with Gymleco after all these years.
2018 – Gymleco Goes Global
In 2018, Gymleco attended its first international expo, FIBO in Germany, marking a major milestone in our expansion. This event opened the doors to several new markets, establishing Gymleco as a key player in the global fitness industry. It was the biggest step in bringing Swedish quality gym equipment to gyms worldwide.
2022 - New Production Facility
To meet increasing international demand, Gymleco opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center in Sweden, improving efficiency and product availability worldwide.
2024 – 30 Years of Innovation
Gymleco celebrates 30 years in the fitness industry, continuing to push boundaries, develop cutting-edge gym solutions, and support the global fitness community. With over 45 distributors worldwide, Gymleco is rapidly becoming one of the industry's leading brands.
