Jobs boost as Kongsberg drives for growth with factory extension

KONGSBERG Automotive has celebrated the opening of its factory extension in Normanton, which has created 100 new jobs this year with 70 more in the pipeline for 2014.

The Norwegian multi-national manufacturer of automotive parts welcomed representatives from local businesses to the launch event, including members of Kongsberg’s European teams, its president and chief executive Hans Peter Havdal, Coun Peter Box from Wakefield Council, and the Mayor of Normanton Hazel Jones.

The commercial property team at Leeds law firm Shulmans assisted Kongsberg in the procurement and development of the new facility at Normanton.

Simon Jackson, partner and head of commercial property at Shulmans who lead the team, said: “It has been fantastic to work with an inspirational business like Kongsberg that is continuing to develop in this economic climate. We congratulate the team on the opening of the new factory and wish them the best of luck with the new facility.”

Kongsberg Automotive is a global provider of engineering, design, and manufacture for seat comfort, driver and motion control systems, fluid assemblies, and industrial driver interface products.

Production of brakes for Volvo Trucks began in 1957 as Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk.

The company then split in 1973 and the automotive division was established, opening its first factory in Rollag, Norway in 1975. The company currently has an annual turnover of 1bn Euros.