Case: Albretsen

Tools that drop from heights account for a large portion of all workplace accidents, which is why the demand for tool safety is steadily increasing and the market is growing rapidly. During 2021, Bergman & Beving acquired the Norwegian company Albretsen as part of its goal to become a leader in the tool safety niche. The Tools & PPE division thereby strengthened its offering and gained expertise within the oil and gas industry.

H.M. Albretsen began as an ironmonger’s that sold to customers including local industry in the Norwegian town of Brevik. In 1995, the company changed its name to H.M. Albretsen Verktøysikring AS after entering into a partnership with experts in the oil and gas industry. At the time, the industry lacked any requirements for tool safety, which led to the company focusing its operations on safety solutions for objects falling from heights.

Albretsen began product development right away, creating documentation for the stringent requirements and its own standards for tool safety. After years of development and close cooperation with workplace managers and industry organisations such as Samarbeid for Sikkerhet (Eng: Partnership for Safety), Albretsen currently sets a standard recognised and accepted by the oil and gas industry and its important stakeholders.

Albretsen’s goal is to become a niche leader in Europe and to continue helping companies ensure that hand tools are ready when new requirements arise. The company will also expand its product offering for onshore industry.

The Tools & PPE division also offered tool safety products prior to the acquisition.

Through the 2021 acquisition of Albretsen, the leading company in its niche within the Nordic region, unsecured tools can also be certified. This creates a unique offering. Albretsen also provides greater access to the Norwegian market and valuable expertise in the oil and gas industry.

The focus on tool safety within Tools & PPE is yielding results – in two years, the division has doubled its revenue. The goal is to acquire more specialised European tool safety companies in order to advance its position as an European leader in the area.