FFS buys Norgesgjerde

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

- We see the acquisition primarily as a long-term investment in port-related property. At the same time, the plan is to continue running Norgesgjerde. We are going to take in new products and invest fresh, says general manager of FFS, John W. Nilsen.

Norgesgjerde imports and sells railings, living walls, gates and fences made of vinyl. The two employees in the company will continue.

- This will not be part of our core business, but it is exciting to try something new. Perhaps we will eventually expand with other imported goods, says Nilsen.

In the office part of the Norgesgjerde building, FFS wants to establish a maritime course centre. The rest of the building stock will be used for storage and production. In total, the premises are over 1,000 square meters.

- WE DRIVE IN day with training for own employees. Among other things, we have invested in an advanced simulator that our skippers and helmsmen use to train on ship handling. This simulator will become part of the course centre, says Nilsen.

He also envisions that FFS will be able to hold external courses - such as safety courses and coastal skipper courses for pleasure boats and professional boats.

- With upgraded premises, the possibilities are many, says Nilsen.

FFS ALSO HAS entered into an agreement with Farsund municipality to rent parts of the neighboring building.

- We agree with ASCO to rent half of the Bredero building each. Our part is the one that borders the Norwegian border. In this way, we will dispose of a large connected area, says Nilsen.

In recent years, the so-called Bredero building has been leased to Seadrill, which has used the premises as a warehouse.

FFS OWNER AND rents a number of warehouse buildings in Lundevågen. The company also disposes of significant outdoor areas that can be used for storage.

- We can offer so-called hot storage, and also have good quay areas with crane capacity, says Nilsen.

Among possible customers are offshore wind consortia that want to bet on Sørlige Nordsjø II.