History of the company
1980
ExpoGraf starts as a small business in Bromma.
The first reseller was BQ Marketing, which started in the Boquist family's home in 1988.
Initially, ExpoGraf supplied injection-molded card holders and expanded after a few years with yoyos, or so-called 'yoyo reels,' for keys and cards.
Håkan and his father Bosse handled sales while his mother Barbro packed shipments in the kitchen. Quite quickly, BQ Marketing supplied a large number of companies and authorities and expanded the range with plastic pockets. Soon, BQ Marketing became a significant supplier of these as well.
1999
Håkan and Elisabeth take over ExpoGraf and rename it to ExpoGraf CardKeep International. They start up in a basement location in Floda outside of Gothenburg. Over the years, the range grows with lanyards, various key rings, and promotional products.
2002
After 2 years, the company has grown out of the premises and the company buys a property in Gråbo, around 700 sqm that becomes the new premise for the two companies.
2003
The company invests in a machine park and can now start manufacturing in-house.
2008
Now the company has outgrown this premises as well, and now the time has come to build their own property.
2009
The property is completed, 1500 sqm right in the middle of Stenkullen's industrial area. Namebadges in plastic, wood, and metal become major products and these are delivered to a large number of businesses.
2010
Patents and trademarks that were previously licensed are now being acquired. All production of CK cardholders takes place in Sweden. CardKeep is named a 'Super Company' by Veckans Affärer and becomes 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in Lerum Municipality.
2011
The company launches and receives global design protection for their first newly developed enclosed badge holder, CardKeep Secure.
2012
CardKeep is registered as a European trademark. Now a dedicated print shop with printing and engraving in-house is opening.
2013
Launch of a new product group, name tags, which are printed/engraved in-house.
2014
The company is opening its first European office in the Netherlands under the name CardKeep Europe, and is now Europe's largest producer of accessories for secure card handling.
2017
The office in the Netherlands is being relocated back to Sweden. All customers continue receiving service from our headquarters in Sweden.
2020
Due to the pandemic, new business opportunities are opening up. CardKeep and BQ are starting to sell face masks, visors, test kits, and other hygiene products.
2025
New website is launched for CardKeep and BQ.
Both the companies are now under the same adress cardkeep.com
