Our History
When Martin Göthager founded the company in 1946, the focus was on knitted women's fashion, and the garments were sold under the name Gällstads Ylle. It was post-war and resources were scarce, but Martin, who was both a skilled businessman and knowledgeable in knitting techniques, managed to design garments that both suited the yarn that was available and that were right on time in terms of fashion.
To finance the purchase of the first knitting machines, Martin mortgaged his house – a brave and decisive decision that laid the foundation for the company's future. The first machines were installed upstairs in the home, and there his wife Ragnhild sat sewing the clothes. Their home thus became both a family home and a production site, and together they built the business from the ground up.
When the company later established itself in the sports industry, it changed its name to Ivanhoe – a name that felt both sporty and international. The ambition was now to reach out with the products throughout Europe.
Over the past 75 years, the company has had several different focuses and styles, but what many still strongly associate with Ivanhoe are the iconic ski jerseys launched in the late 70s and early 80s.
Today's innovative and functional sweaters from Ivanhoe are largely manufactured in our own factory in Gällstad. When it comes to sewing, we now cooperate with carefully selected partner companies in Europe. Through the close collaboration, we ensure both good working conditions and the highest quality of our products. We maintain full control throughout the entire production chain – from the selection of yarn and thread to the finished garment. The geographical proximity means that we can act quickly, offer short lead times and at the same time reduce the environmental impact through shorter transports.
The company was run from the beginning of the 80s and for about 40 years onwards by Martin's three sons: Lars-Erik, Ulf and Göran.
