CIDAN Machinery Group Appoints Chandler Barden as Group CEO Effective January 1, 2026

Götene, Sweden – December 3, 2025. CIDAN Machinery Group today announced that Chandler Barden has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2026. He will lead CIDAN Machinery Group globally, steering the company’s worldwide operations and growth agenda.
Chandler has 14 years with CIDAN, during which he has worked closely with customers, dealers, and partners across key markets. He currently serves as CEO of CIDAN Machinery Inc. in the United States and will succeed Petter Hjelmqvist, who will continue to support the transition and the Group in an advisory capacity. Chandler brings a strong track record in customer-driven growth and operational execution. His industry expertise across architectural and industrial fabrication makes him a natural choice to guide CIDAN forward.
Under Chandler´s leadership in North America, CIDAN Machinery Inc. has expanded its customer base and strengthened service capabilities while advancing the Group’s strategy as a One-Stop-Partner for machinery, software, and lifecycle support.
“I’m honored to lead CIDAN Machinery Group and build on our momentum worldwide,” said Chandler Barden, incoming Group CEO. “Our mission is to make it easier for architectural and industrial customers to plan, produce, and deliver with confidence. We bring together machines, software, automation, and service in one integrated experience. We will keep investing in innovation and in our people so customers can keep Shaping Tomorrows World.”
Outgoing CEO Petter Hjelmqvist added: “Chandler combines commercial rigor with a hands-on understanding of production realities. He lives our customer promise and the One-Stop-Partner approach that defines CIDAN. The Group is in excellent hands.”
Strategic Focus
As Group CEO, Chandler will focus on:
- Accelerating innovation across CIDAN’s portfolio of folding, longfolding machines, coil handling, slit & cut-to-length solutions, and connected software.
- Strengthening global service, training, and spare-parts availability to maximize uptime.
- Advancing the One-Stop-Partner strategy – delivering integrated machines, software, financing options, tooling, and lifecycle support.
- Deepening collaboration across Europe and North America to deliver consistent customer value and faster lead times.
About CIDAN Machinery Group
CIDAN Machinery Group is a global manufacturer of sheet-metal processing solutions, helping customers plan, bend, slit, cut, and deliver with precision. With Nordic roots and a worldwide footprint, CIDAN combines machinery, software, and service to act as a One-Stop-Partner for architectural and industrial OEMs. Guided by the tagline “Shaping Tomorrows World,” CIDAN drives customers to produce safely, sustainably, and profitably.