Federation of Norwegian Industries

On 28. November 2005 the new organisation Federation of Norwegian Industries was established. The new Federation became formally operative from January 1st 2006.

The Federation of Norwegian Industries is the result of a merger between the two large industrial federations of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), the Federation of Norwegian Manufacturing Industries (TBL) and the Federation of Norwegian Process Industries (PIL). The new federation comprises approx 25% of NHO and is by far the largest sectoral federation within NHO.

Total annual turnover for the sectors which the Federation of Norwegian Industries represent exceeded NOK 650 billion in 2008. Total annual exports had a value of  NOK 310 billion.

Mr Stein Lier-Hansen, appointed Managing Director of the Federation of Norwegian Industries, has formerly held the position of director in the Directorate of Nature Management, and served as State Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment during the first Stoltenberg government. He has also been employed as the secretary general of the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers (NJFF).

Mr Per A. Sørlie, Vice-President of Borregaard, has been elected Chairman of the Board.

- Norwegian Industry has entered a crucial an era. As the current Government is a majority government, they have no one but themselves to blame, if the industrial policy adopted is not an active one with good and stable framework conditions says Mr Lier-Hansen.

- My most important task lies in ensuring that society understands how important a viable industry is with regard to ensuring employment and welfare in the future. We must attempt to agree on a sustainable industrial policy for Norway. Norway's industry is Norway's future, and we shall contribute to renewed industrial growth for Norway, Mr Lier-Hansen states.

Focus on Members
- The Federation of Norwegian Industries shall be both visible and clear. The Federation's most important task will be to ensure that the Authorities adopt a long-term fiscal policy where the competitiveness of the Norwegian industry is given the highest priority. Our members shall be able to experience, that we, as part of the NHO, contribute to simplify their everyday lives.