Caption: From left: Kjetil Thu from Kaspo Maskin, Kurt Magne Kvernøy, daily camper in Sunnhordland Technologies and Magnar Sellevoll, owner of Kaspo Holding. The trio will now develop a future-oriented factory for the production of components for industry. The photo was taken on Rubbestadneset quay, at Sunnhordland Technologies, in connection with the final touches to the collaboration agreement.
Sunnhordland Technologies realizes autonomous factory
The young company Sunnhordland Technologies at Rubbestadneset has been working purposefully since its inception in 2018. Now they have brought with them new and strong owners in the investment in a revolutionary autonomous factory.
Since its inception, Sunnhordland Technologies has worked with training in Industry 4.0, digitization and robotisation. Now they take this knowledge with them when they realize their new autonomous machining factory.
- This is an idea we have been working on since the beginning. Now we have Kaspo Holding on the owner's side, something that strengthens us. In addition, Innovation Norway believes in our project and supports it with much-needed capital, says daily leader Kurt Magne Kvernøy.
Locally develop technology
Mykje maskineringsarbeid i Noreg er «flagga ut» til lågkostland dei seinare åra. Det ynskjer me å gjera noko med. Me nyttar teknologi som er utvikla her i Sunnhordland saman med dyktige partnarar.
- We do not want to produce components ourselves but to strengthen the competitiveness of Norwegian production companies, Kvernøy continues.
The specially designed factory will need about 150 square meters. The goal is to gain experience from the prototype factory and create more after the same reading in the long run.
- This week we have ordered the components for the factory. During 2021, the factory will be "up and running". We have not yet decided on the final location, but we would very much like to place it here in our region.
Many and good teammates
Sunnhordland Technologies has deliberately built networks with local industry in Sunnhordland, Rubbestadneset VGS and Høgskulen på Vestlandet along the way, and a relationship has been established with Sintef and the Norwegian Catapult Center over the past year.
- We are part of Atheno's incubator. It has been a door opener for us both towards industrial companies, other innovation companies in the incubator, investors, the research environment and the policy instruments. Landing such a project requires good sparring partners, investors and financial support schemes, Kvernøy states.
Incubator owner Kjetil Djuve in Atheno has followed Sunnhordland Technologies since the beginning.
- The founders of Sunnhordland Technologies are good at acquiring knowledge and focusing on what is the main focus of the company. In addition, they are good at playing good quarterbacks. A well-functioning team is absolutely crucial for closure. Something I think they will do!
Sunnhordland Technologies now wishes to get in touch with companies in the region that may be interested in learning more about the autonomous factory, either as a future customer or investor.
- We thank everyone who has supported us so far and are very much looking forward to getting started with the project this November, concludes Kurt Magne Kvernøy.
