The Ekelund is named after Gunnar Ekelund, one of the most influential figures in the history of Hults Bruk. During the late 19th century, as forestry expanded and demand for axes increased, Gunnar Ekelund helped transform Hults Bruk from a forge producing many different products into a modern axe manufacturer. He travelled abroad to study new manufacturing methods and brought ideas back to Hult from countries including England, Belgium and the United States. His influence introduced new production techniques as well as American hickory handles and axe patterns such as Yankee and Montreal. Under his leadership, axe production grew in importance and Hults Bruk increasingly turned its attention toward international markets. By carrying the Ekelund name, the axe honours the man who helped shape Hults Bruk into the axe manufacturer it is today.