Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS was established in Lillehammer in 1887 and is today one of the world's leading suppliers of furniture and upholstery fabrics. Annually, the factory produces approximately 600,000 meters of textile. The mill specializes in woolen fabrics and has a unique production line where all processes take place under the same roof, from raw material to finished product. This means that we have control over the entire value chain, and with design, development and production close to each other, we have high flexibility and can create high quality products. We produce textiles with nature as a source and input factor and with minimal use of chemicals. Wool is a natural raw material with natural technical properties that is renewable and biodegradable. The factory is known for long-lasting products and has received the DOGA mark (formerly the Mark for Good Design) 20 times for 23 products. One of our most famous textiles is the classic Hallingdal 65, designed by Nanna Ditzel. The oldest craft in our history Processing wool is perhaps the oldest craft in the history of the human race. It was a technological breakthrough when man learned to card and spin yarn from sheep's fur, and weave it into clothes that protected against the cold. It probably happened sometime in the Neolithic, about 8,000 years ago. The first implements were simple and ingenious. The yarn was spun by hand with tin. In 1530 the stingray was invented. In Norway, the art of spinning and weaving became known in the Bronze Age. The sheep is the main character in textile history. It is one of the first animal species to be domesticated by man. It gave them food and clothes. There are today just over 1 million sheep in Norway. No other fiber - natural or artificial - has outperformed wool. Linen has a small area of use and silk is expensive. Cotton has many uses, but it does not replace wool, nor today's man-made fibres. Wool combines so many good properties that it simply cannot be replaced. Wool is not only warming, but it is also political, technological, economic and cultural history. The textile industry is growing and Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik is established Our modern machine and industrial society was born in England, and the textile industry was the spearhead of the new era. The industry eventually also grew in Norway in the mid-1850s. In 1887, "Gudbrandsdalens Ulspinderi" was established in Lillehammer with a workforce of 8 people. The first machine park consisted of two spinning chairs, two carding units and a mixing machine. In the first years, production was rental spinning of wool from the sheep farmers in the area. The supply of raw materials was good, and not long after there was a need to expand, and a new two-storey building was erected. In addition, four double-width and two single-width looms were purchased. The new building also made room for colors in the furnishings. 25 more people were employed. Now the company had become a "complete" woolen goods factory. In 1889 it changed its name to "Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik". In addition to yarn production, the factory took up the production of sjeviou (thin wool quality) and verken (two shafts), half-wool dress shirts, wadding and gray wool carpets. The company won recognition for quality products. The textile factories were generally the first real workplaces for women in Norwegian industry, and the difference between women's and men's wages was not that great. New ownership and new thoughts In 1912, the factory got a new owner. It was an experienced business man who took over the company. Andreas Rasmussen Svarstad was born in Ålesund. He worked at Bergen Klædefabrik and Sogndal Uldvarefabrik, and together with his brother-in-law Wald P.Skaaden he started Indviken Uldvarefabrik (Innvik) in Nordfjord. Andreas eventually sold his share to his brother-in-law and traveled to Lillehammer, where he bought Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik. He saw the opportunity in the area with significant sheep farming and good communication by rail. Svarstad is considered the factory's "second founder". The factory needed a renewal, and he combined sobriety with foresight and determination. He also had the ability to get along with employees on the floor and in the office. He had a background that enabled him to carry out both the business and the technical assessments himself, and was thus able to provide the company with effective unit management. Fabrikken During the war there was great demand, and the fact that Norwegian wool was the most important raw material benefited the factory. World War I and high demand There was a steady rise in the years before the First World War. During the war there was great demand, and it benefited the factory that Norwegian wool was the most important raw material, since the supply of raw materials fell drastically. The factory had also recently switched to electric power. The autumn of 1920 was marked by the post-war Choose wool, choose quality. Our production process is unique, allowing us to create high-quality products with full control over the entire value chain. But our commitment to nature goes beyond just creating beautiful products. Our use of wool as a raw material is a conscious choice for environmental sustainability. Additionally, our long history in the textile industry has given us the expertise and experience to produce top-quality woolen fabrics that are unrivaled in their warmth, durability, and versatility. This is why our factory has received numerous awards and recognitions, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. With our new owner, Andreas Rasmussen Svarstad, we have renewed our focus on innovation and efficiency, while still maintaining respect and appreciation for our employees. And as we continue to grow, we will always remember our roots and the tradition of craftsmanship that has led us to where we are today.
