How ASEA moved to Västerås

It is difficult to overestimate ASEA's role in Västerås' history. Thanks to the company, a completely new era in the city's development began. But why did ASEA come to Västerås? The Turbine House, that small and seemingly insignificant building near the bridge, was the reason.

In 1888, ASEA from Arboga installed electric lighting in parts of Västerås. Shortly thereafter, the company decided to expand and began searching for larger premises. There was a tug-of-war between Arboga, Västerås, and Örebro over where the company should be located. In Västerås, there was a capable municipal politician and industrialist, Oskar Fredrik Wijkman, who convinced the city to agree to provide land, capital, and electricity to the company. The electricity could be generated by closing a mill at the Svartån and instead constructing a power station called the Turbine House by the public. With the three turbines of this power station, the company could obtain enough electricity for its entire operation.

Great importance was placed on the Turbine House blending into the existing urban environment around the castle. The result was a charming blend of Gothic and Romantic styles, featuring a beautifully carved door bearing the Västerås municipal coat of arms, an ancient symbol dating back to the 1200s.

In 1890, the decision was made for ASEA to move to Västerås. The Turbine House was leased by ASEA for over ten years at an annual fee of 6,000 kronor. All electrical equipment was installed at ASEA's expense. ASEA expanded rapidly, and by 1902, the power from the Turbine House was insufficient, and the building was returned to the city. The short time ASEA used the Turbine House was of great significance for Västerås as a city. Around 1890, Arboga and Västerås had roughly equal populations, but after ASEA's move to Västerås, the difference grew larger every day, and today Västerås is nearly ten times larger than Arboga.

Sources: https://visitvasteras.se, Wikipedia

How ASEA moved to Västerås

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