Our history

1887

Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS was first established in Lillehammer in 1887, under the name Gudbrandsdalens Uldspinderi. This modest spinning mill at Nedre Mesnafoss evolved to become one of the cornerstones of the city, and a leading textile manufacturer in the country.
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1912

In 1912 there was a change in ownership, when Andreas R. Svarstad took over the company. Today the owners of Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS are fourth generation Svarstad's.
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1914

In 1914 there was a diversion from hydropower to electricity. The list of new buildings, extensions and investments in Andreas R. Svarstad's time is impressive. The results were growth in production, number of employees and revenue.
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1920

In the 1920's clothing fabrics became an important aspect of production, and coat fabrics was a great article in the 1930's. The store in town had, among other things, fabrics for suits, dresses, costumes, blankets, shawls, and yarn for knitting and weaving.
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1950

In the 1950's, production was targeted at the clothing industry, especially for ladies. Gradually the production specialized on upholstery fabrics. Quality, good design and reliable delivery were traits the business was known for, and worked as guidelines for the new strategy.
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1960

Hans Hosak – the first Chief of Design – was appointed.
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1964

In 1964 Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS went over to buying wool from New Zealand, as this was cleaner and had a smoother quality. Price-wise there was no difference, since the prices of woolen fabrics followed international models. The Commissioner System ended the same year.
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1965

Hallingdal was launched for the first time. In addition, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS had its first delivery to cruise ship M/S Sagafjord. There was also introduced a new generation of weaving machines - Sulzer Projectile weaving machines - in the building. These had significantly higher quality and efficiency.
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1966

It was decided that the production of clothing fabrics were to be closed down, with the exception of costume fabrics and blankets. Production of blankets ended shortly after.
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1976

Arne Svarstad transferred his shares to his son, Ragnvald.
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1980

The Family Svarstad Foundation was established to promote education within the industry.
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1987

Andreas Svarstad transferred his shares to his son, Frode Svarstad.
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1992

Andreas Svarstad transferred his shares to his son, Frode Svarstad.
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1994

The Lillehammer Winter Olympics increased the need for national costume fabrics (the bunad) dramatically. Over 100 000 meters delivered in one year. Large investments in machinery.
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2002

Marketing of the bunad was separated into its own department.
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2013

There were big investments in machinery within dyeing, spinning and weaving.
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2015

Property rights to Mandal Veveri acquired.
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Idag

Today Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS is one of the leading manufacturers of textile in Scandinavia. For more than a century we have developed the many unique abilities wool has to offer. A solid knowledge of its journey from nature to natural product is why our fabrics are known for their considerable high quality.
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