At the entrance to Nøsted &’s facility at Jåbekk in Mandal, we are greeted by Espen, who welcomes us with a smile. He leads us into the production hall where IGLAND products are brought to life – a place where history, innovation, and quality come together.
A Journey from Grimstad to Mandal
Espen joined IGLAND in September 2018, at a time that would mark a turning point for the traditional brand. “I started as project manager for relocating the warehouse and production from Grimstad to Mandal,” Espen explains as we walk through the production hall.
The decision to move was driven by several factors: an aging workshop environment in Grimstad and the opportunity to make use of a company-owned facility in Mandal. The relocation created room to renew the organization with fresh, young talent and further develop the production. Today, Espen is the Site Manager at Jåbekk, responsible for operations, maintenance, and collaboration with the production team in Lithuania.
Nøsted &'s Product Portfolio
Nøsted & offers products under the renowned brands FRAM, TRYGG, and IGLAND, collectively representing 300 years of proud industrial heritage. TRYGG is a world leader in tire chains for forestry and construction machinery, tractors, and heavy transport. With over 70 years at the forefront of forestry technology—particularly with the IGLAND winch—the IGLAND name is recognized in forests worldwide. The FRAM brand is internationally known for chains and lifting and securing equipment used in industries such as aquaculture and fisheries.
Experience and Tradition
In the production hall, we meet Olaf and Øystein – two veterans who have been part of IGLAND for over 40 years. Olaf, who has worked in both product development and sales, shares: “It’s been a varied and exciting job. I’ve traveled all over the world and gained customers from South Africa to New Zealand.” Øystein, who has spent many years working on the technical side of the IGLAND winches, proudly says: “On our newest models, we’ve brought back technology from our winches from the 1960s and ’70s – technology that’s still relevant today. That’s something to be proud of.”
A Varied Workday
In the workshop, Sondre works as an electrician with a wide range of tasks. “I work a lot with remote controls and wiring for winches and log trailers, as well as with technical drawings and wiring diagrams. This combination gives me both challenges and variety, which I really appreciate.”
A Workday Filled with Humor and Camaraderie
Next, we meet Henning, who assembles timber trailers. Henning has been part of the IGLAND team for an impressive 31 years. “I started in 1994,” he says with a smile.
One of the main reasons Henning has stayed with IGLAND for so many years is the strong and inclusive work environment. “We’re a great group with shared interests and a lot of humor. Many of us have worked together for years, and that creates a solid sense of community.”
The sense of community is easy to notice. Espen shares several creative initiatives that have helped strengthen the team spirit: “When the weather is nice, we like to have barbecues. We made our own grill from an old washtub, and we make waffles and buy ice cream. It’s the small, simple things that help create a good workday.”
History and Future
In the service workshop, Jo Bjørge welcomes us and shows us an older winch model undergoing refurbishment. “We take in old winches for servicing and upgrades,” Jo Bjørge explains. IGLAND winches have been a reliable companion for Norwegian forestry workers for generations. Jo highlights that one of the best parts of the job is the customer interaction: “Many have strong stories tied to their winches, and it’s rewarding to be part of that.”
Sustainability in Practice
At IGLAND, quality isn’t just about new products – it’s also about taking care of what already exists. Espen explains: “By restoring old winches, we preserve both history and the environment. It’s an active choice for sustainability.” The service workshop has also received great attention at trade fairs, where people recognize the old winches and often have a personal connection to them.
In addition, the Jåbekk facility takes pride in its environmentally friendly profile. Espen explains: “We have solar panels on the roof, and in fact, we produce more electricity than we use.”
A Future Built on Pride and Quality
As we leave Jåbekk, it’s clear that this is more than just a production site. Here, tradition is combined with innovation, and the employees take great pride in the quality of the products they create. Espen concludes: “We’re a department and a company in strong development. We’re not just maintaining what has been – we’re looking ahead, and that’s one of the most exciting parts.”