Staff Portrait: Kristina Larsson, Design and Consulting at Edurus & Malungs Stenfabrik

Choosing a gravestone can often be an emotional process. How do you create a memorial that both lasts for generations and reflects a person’s life? Kristina at Edurus and Malungs Stenfabrik has extensive experience in design, production, and guiding both resellers and relatives through this journey. Here, she talks about her work, the most common questions she receives, and how the right guidance can make all the difference.

What do you do at Edurus & Malungs Stenfabrik and what is the best part of your job?

-The best part is the variety and dynamics that come with the job. I work creatively with design, catalogs, and informational videos, while also being in daily contact with our resellers across the country. I have been working here since 2009, and over the years I have built close collaborations with many of our resellers. I know that stone can feel overwhelming at first, with all the variations in what can be done and what works or doesn’t. That’s why we’re here – always just a phone call or an email away to provide support and guidance.

What is the best part about your workplace and colleagues?

-The best part is that we all work closely together and have an ongoing dialogue about our product range and future development. We collaborate to improve both our products and the ordering process, which creates a dynamic work environment. Since we all contribute to the development, we never stand still – this gives us great opportunities to grow both in our professional roles and as a team.

What are the most common questions you receive from customers?

-A common question is whether we can customize the size, material, and processing of the stones. All our stones can be customized, which means we can change the size, stone type, and processing according to the customer’s preferences.
Many also wonder if it’s possible to create stones in their own design if they submit image material. We have created everything from boats to musical instruments, religious motifs, classic angels, and simpler shapes, where the customer may not have found what they are looking for in our range, which makes it almost always possible to create a unique stone.
Another question that often comes up is whether our stone types from other parts of the world are suitable for the Nordic climate – the answer is yes, our non-Nordic granite performs just as well in the Nordic climate as our Nordic materials!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

-It can be emotionally challenging to help someone who is grieving, and some cases are very touching. Something may be very important to the customer, but there are certain obstacles, such as strict cemetery regulations or a limited budget, that prevent the customer’s wishes from always being fulfilled. Finding a solution to these problems and finding other ways to provide the customer with the design they want is very rewarding.

What is your best tip for the customers?

-My best tip is to dare to ask. There are so many different ways to customize our products, and we are always close by to offer tips and advice.

What is the most common mistake customers make, and how can they avoid it?

-One of the most common mistakes is when incorrect information is registered, such as misspelling names or dates. We always encourage proofreading before an order is signed, but sometimes the customer realizes that they provided incorrect information after the stone has already gone into production. We know that mistakes happen and always find a solution, but it is less costly to double-check once more before the stone is manufactured.

What is the funniest thing you’ve experienced at work?

-Through work, visiting the city of Chongwu in China, also known as ‘Stonecity’, has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. Seeing the amazing sculptures and meeting people who share the same passion for stone as we do is incredibly inspiring, rewarding, and educational.

Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on that you can tell us about?

-Right now, we are working on creating informational videos that make it easier for customers to see how our products and accessories look. With our combined experience, these materials will answer common questions and simplify the sales process, which is very exciting!

Are you interested in learning more about Edurus’ work? On YouTube, you can find everything you need to know about our gravestones, from choosing a model and placing an order to installation and maintenance.