"The past year has been demanding, and uncertainty has become a normal condition for industry," says Sverre Gotaas, CEO Herøya Industripark AS.
"Industrial development is long-term by nature, yet global developments are moving quickly. Changes in geopolitics, trade policy and tariffs influence how companies assess risk and make investment decisions."
He thinks predictability and cooperation are more important than ever. For many of the companies located at Herøya Industripark, Europe is the main market. Close ties to Europe, and Norway’s alignment with the EU, therefore play an important role in maintaining competitiveness and creating confidence for future investments.
"Our role is to strengthen the industrial ecosystem. We work actively to connect the right companies, infrastructure and expertise, whether this involves new customers, suppliers or partners. At the same time, we focus on supporting existing companies so they can develop and grow within the industrial park."
Development in recent years
Since 2017, Gotaas has led the transformation from an industrial park dominated by two giants into a diverse industrial environment. The gap between Yara and the rest is gradually being closed by strong players such as Vianode, Thor Medical, NEL and Hydro Aluminium.
“We have gained more legs to stand on. This makes us less dependent on economic cycles. When one market is struggling, such as hydrogen at the moment, things are flourishing elsewhere, for example at Addcon or Yara. We are no longer just the ‘Hydro park’; we are a distinct, robust ecosystem in which companies are customers and suppliers to one another.”
New opportunities
As Equinor now moves its R&D rig out of the park, Gotaas sees opportunities rather than problems.
“It frees up attractive areas and laboratory facilities. We are already noticing strong interest from players who want to move in. This year, we are prioritising a thorough review of the entire research park. We will modernise premises that have developed piecemeal since 1961, so that they meet today’s requirements for innovation.”
Rare earths minerals
There is considerable interest linked to the Fens field and rare earth minerals.
"Together with partners such as Frier Vest, Telemark County and the University of South-Eastern Norway, work is under way to explore the establishment of a national competence centre for mineral extraction and processing. The region has strong chemical expertise, which could make it possible to develop complete value chains, including downstream processing," Gotaas says.
Highlights from 2025
Gotaas looks back on 2025 with pride in the industrial park company’s ability to deliver and execute within the park:
For Thor Medical: finalised the refurbishment of Building 125 and its new A-Lab facilities.
For Yara: completed upgrades to quay infrastructure, allowing for improved logistics and larger vessels.
In addition, innovation initiatives such as Proventia and the Katapult centre became fully operational, making it easier for companies to test and develop new solutions.
Where do you see Herøya Industripark in ten years?
"In ten years’ time, Grenland is expected to be firmly established as Norway’s leading industrial region. Herøya Industripark will continue to build on more than 100 years of industrial experience. Access to additional land for space demanding industry at Frier Vest will also be important for future growth and for developing new industrial value chains."
Text: Siri Krohn-Fagervoll siri@krohnfagervoll.no
