Ekornes

In May 2008, Ekornes acquired Stay AS, a Norwegian supplier of furniture to the contract market. This gave valuable competence and key contacts in the segment, and together they now target the hotel and offshore markets in the Nordics. Now, the goal is to become the largest supplier in the market. Ekornes will also look into expanding their main market to include more countries.

- Ekornes has a very strong brand name, and internationally renowned products like Stressless and Svane mattresses. Stay brings unique competence and great customer relations to the table, both nationally and internationally. Together, this makes us a complete supplier with experience and quality products, says Marketing Director Runar Haugen in Ekornes.

Director Rune Jakobsen in Stay thinks that their accumulated experience and competence, together with product advantages like environmental friendlyness and comfort, will tip the scale in favor of Ekornes when hotel chains pick their supplier.

- Many of Ekornes' products are really ideal for this market. We look forward to offering these to our excisting customers, and to see them open new doors for us, says Jakobsen.

Offshore markets

Ekornes already has a strong division for contract furniture, Ekornes Contract, specializing in the offshore segment. Based in Sykkylven, Norway, it lies close to the important maritime cluster of western Norway.

- Our brands are popular in ship building due to the high resistance against wear, and the great safety specifications. All products answer to the excisting sertifications for offshore use, including the strict British fire safety demands. Also, we know for a fact that crew have rising expectations to the comfort on board, and this can often be an important factor when they choose their workplace. The Stressless brand is well known to all, says Marketing MAnager in Ekornes Contract, John Terje Drege.