GN Tobacco Sweden AB's booming snus business draws a steady stream of people to its cutting-edge snusfabrik (snus factory) near Enköping. With close to 300 staff members, plus partners and guests, Madlin Marouki runs the front desk making sure everyone gets a warm welcome and a friendly smile. As the family-owned company's most familiar face in Enköping, we had a quick chat with Madlin.
"I began almost six years ago knowing little about the company that manufactures products like Siberia snus, Odens snus, White Fox, and Bull Dog. But I remember the words in the job ad that made me apply: 'At GN Tobacco Enköping, we are all like one family'. As someone who's more outgoing than most and likes talking to our people here, I find it fulfilling. While it fits outgoing folks like me, I make sure to recognize the quiet ones too," Madlin Marouki says.
The production facility now has over 270 employees, many working in shifts to support the manufacturing and distribution of Swedish snus, chewing tobacco, and tobacco-free products like nicotine pouches to the global market. People often ask about what it's like to work in such a mixed culture environment.
"Working with people from all over the world who speak many languages lets me use several languages I know every day. Most people speak some Swedish or English, but we also hear Aramaic, Arabic, Armenian, and many others. But I find the main challenges come not so much from language but from cultural differences and values. Understanding each other's language is the first step to communicate well. But I think the most important things are love and respect, in that exact order."
For many new workers at the snus factory, this job is one of their first times seeing Swedish society and workplace rules. Coming from very different societies and cultures starts an interesting journey.
"I've seen that in lots of other cultures, people often show more respect for older folks and treat women than we do here. When they join our family, it takes some getting used to."
Madlin gives an example of this cultural difference: many Swedes wouldn't think twice about voicing a complaint or suggestion straight to the factory boss, but those from more hierarchical cultures often respect their leaders too much for such a straightforward approach.
"GN Tobacco's family-like culture has its roots in how it started," Madlin says. "When Gevorg Nalbandyan bought a small tobacco store in Stockholm, he got his friends and family involved as the business grew. New hires became part of Gevorg's extended family, with non-relatives getting the same treatment as family members."
Madlin then brings some reality to this idea. "Being in a big family isn't always easy. We have our ups and downs, but we do support each other. When someone's struggling, we come together to help out."
"Our plant runs non-stop with shifting teams," Madlin explains. "The front desk though opens in the day when we get supplies and send out goods like traditional snus like Lenny's Cut and Änglaholm, and nicotine pouches like White Fox. I work regular office times, and someone fills in when I'm in meetings."
Madlin keeps a close eye on the main door welcoming guests from all over and staff members too. Her quick chats with people coming and going help her stay in the loop about what's happening at the plant. Besides her work at the desk, she handles some office tasks. But Madlin's world is much bigger than just her job.
"I don't believe in coincidences, but I didn't plan to enter politics when I ran for Kristdemokraterna (The Christian Democratic Party) in the last election," Madlin shares. "The huge voter support surprised me, since I had no political background."
Out of the blue, Madlin ended up on the municipal council and as vice-chairman of the social committee in Enköping making choices in many areas. She thinks this job is interesting and tough, and she has to learn a lot and get ready for meetings.
Madlin didn't pick Kristdemokraterna just because she's married to an orthodox Christian priest in Enköping. The party's focus on family politics also matched her beliefs.
"Family matters most to us," Madlin states. "To me, family always comes first."
Madlin's complex life shows the different backgrounds and experiences that make GN Tobacco's staff so rich. Her job on the company's front lines, along with her work in politics, gives her a special view of both the business and the people it helps.
As GN Tobacco keeps growing and changing through international expansion, workers like Madlin play a key part in keeping the company's family-like feel while dealing with the hurdles of a worldwide business scene. Their dedication to helping each other out and valuing different backgrounds has an impact on the company's achievements and its good influence on the nearby community.
With its wide brand variety and product portfolio spanning snus tobacco, smokeless tobacco, tobacco free snus, and even whisky-fermented snus like Islay Whisky, GN Tobacco relies on its staff, teamwork and a sound working culture to make it all possible.
By Robert
