Two leading players join forces – Nordic Steel acquires Bergen Rustfri Industri AS
The grinding company Nordic Steel continues to build solid, Norwegian industry. Bergen Rustfri Industri (BRIAS) is now Nordic Steel's new sister company in Western Norway.
– We have become well acquainted with BRIAS over several years and are impressed by what they have achieved. They are very skilled, and run their company well. Therefore, they will continue as before, and offer their customers the same good quality as before. Now they will also receive expertise and extra capacity from Nordic Steel in their support, and we will receive useful expertise from them, including in titanium welding, says Børre Lobekk, CEO of Nordic Steel Group.
Bergen Rustfri Industri AS, best known as BRIAS, is one of the Bergen region's leading mechanical companies. They have delivered quality to customers in all industries since 2010, from Ågotnes in Sotra.
– For a long time, we have wanted a strong owner who can help us move forward. We have known and collaborated with Nordic Steel for a long time. They have been our absolute first choice as partners and now the timing is right to join forces. We will continue to be at Ågotnes and all employees will continue to be involved. Together with Nordic Steel, the goal is to build on all the good customer relationships we have, and to an even greater extent contribute to the success of our customers, says Frode Arefjord, CEO of BRIAS.
Large shared capacity
Together, Nordic Steel and BRIAS have over 140 skilled employees and offer all services within engineering, design, laser and water cutting, bending, rolling, welding, assembly and erection. The companies have over 42,000 m2 of production capacity and deliver to projects nationally and internationally.
– Nordic Steel wants to create value in close collaboration with its customers, and to do so, we must be present where our customers are, with professionals that our customers can trust. The extended Vestland region is an attractive area to live and work in, and an exciting market to be a part of. Now, together with BRIAS, we will continue to build on Norway's leading competence center within steel. Our joint capacity will provide real delivery capability and security for customers in all industries. Since our inception, we have focused on Norwegian industry, and this is a clear signal that we intend to continue this commitment in the future, explains Lobekk.
Powerful sister companies
In practice, the acquisition means that BRIAS and Nordic Steel will become sister companies under the same ownership. Nordic Steel Group now owns both BRIAS and Nordic Steel 100 percent. BRIAS will continue as a separate company.
– We believe in the impact that a larger unit provides. Now we are starting a new collaboration, which will only provide even more security and quality to customers in both companies. We can undertake larger projects together, and customers will have the opportunity to play on all the strengths of the group, says Børre Lobekk in Nordic Steel Group.
– We look forward to lifting Norwegian industry together with Nordic Steel in the future. Even though we continue as BRIAS, we have the support and security from Nordic Steel with us and can achieve even more together, concludes Frode Arefjord in BRIAS.
Facts about Nordic Steel
• Head office in Bryne, with regional offices in Ålesund and Oslo
• Estimated revenue in 2025: 440 MNOK, EBITDA: 50 MNOK
• 125 employees
- Complete supplier of mechanical production in all materials
• Major in engineering, design and calculation for all industries
- Advanced sheet metal work, certified welding and assembly, both on- and offshore
• Delivers to customers in the renewable industry, construction, energy and offshore, transportation, aquaculture, HVAC, defense, aerospace and piping, etc.
• Delivering to leading projects in all industries: Norwegian Marine Technology Center, Statnett cable tunnels, Tangenvika railway bridge, Salmon Evolution, Doggerbank A, B and C, to name a few
• Environmental Lighthouse of the Year in Norway in 2021
• Website: www.nordicsteel.no
Facts about Bergen Rustfri Industri
• Leading mechanical workshop in the Bergen region
• Welding, pipe and sheet metal work, especially in stainless and high-alloy steel
• Located at Ågotnes in Sotra
• Estimated revenue in 2025: 60 MNOK, EBITDA: 13.5 MNOK
• 19 employees
• Large machinery park and services for sheet metal, pipes and welding
• Delivers to industry in western Norway, both on- and offshore
• Website: www.brias.no
