Don't lose power when you need it most
If you are lying on the operating table, or if you are a passenger on a ferry, it is vital that the surgeon and captain always have electricity.
The technology company Anda-Olsen AS in Breivika in Ålesund has an important social mission when the company provides critical emergency power to hospitals, fish farms, tunnels and the maritime sector, among other things.
If a hospital loses power in the middle of operations, or if a boat loses engine power, things can go very wrong.
Project engineer Vetle Vågnes is an automation engineer with a bachelor's degree in automation and intelligent systems. The 26-year-old is (as of April 20226) NITO's business group leader in Anda-Olsen.
Together with five colleagues, he has in a short time made NITO a clear voice in a company in rapid growth.
When great values are at stake
The company is one of the largest players in Norway in emergency power and battery banks.
"We supply heavy lead-acid batteries and solutions that ensure that the power never disappears when it comes to health, safety and large values," says Vågnes.
They are particularly recognized for their expertise in maritime and industrial environments, ranging from traditional lead-acid batteries to modern lithium systems. They also have their own service department that deals with maintenance and technical support to ensure a long life of the equipment.
"The company delivers globally, but has its roots deep in the Norwegian maritime cluster," Vågnes emphasizes.
Growing pains provide opportunities
The young engineer designs solutions, follows customers closely and ensures that production has everything they need.
He describes a company on its way from "small and tailor-made" to "larger and more standardized":
- We have some growing pains. Work is being done to professionalize both the products and how it is worked internally, including the collaboration between employees and management.
When NITO's group of companies was established, the starting point was simple; They wanted to be a clearer voice in the company. Focus on value creation and how Anda-Olsen can become an even better company is in focus.
The NITO team at Anda-Olsen finds that by establishing a company group, there is more dialogue with the management.
"We also want to increase profitability. The company has good prospects for the future, and we will contribute to the company reaching new heights," says Vågnes. There is a good dialogue both about investments for the company, about salary negotiations and working conditions.
Vågnes praises the management for having put in place better employee insurance, a five percent pension and that they generally provide great flexibility for employees in their everyday lives.
The business group believes that this helps to make the company attractive in terms of attracting labour.
Wants more young union representatives
NITO's business group advisor Bjørn Wannebo praises Vågnes for sticking his head out and becoming a union representative.
"Forming a company group contributes to better conditions, a more organised and secure working life that serves both the employee and the employer," says Wannebo.
On a daily basis, he advises on how to relate to management and how to run a business group in the best possible way. He is part of a team at NITO that does this. Together, they assist business groups across the country.
- The company is stronger with a more formalized collaboration between management and employees. Together, we will facilitate more value creation, more financial profit and better conditions," says Wannebo.
He encourages more young people to take the step forward as union representatives:
- It is a unique experience. You will gain valuable experience that will make you grow as a person and as an employee. It shows that you take responsibility and that you want the best for the company and for your employees.
Wannebo emphasizes that all union representatives receive close follow-up from NITO. As a new union representative, you will get a good introduction, including through NITO's Intro course for union representatives.
NITO's business group advisor Bjørn Wannebo and Vetle Vågnes at the premises of Anda-Olsen AS.
Nice to be a union representative
The 26-year-old stuck his head out. No one else signed up as a union representative. He did so after only a year and a half in the company.
- It was a bit scary, but it's just fine, says Vågnes. He encourages other young people to raise their hand and challenge themselves by being a union representative.
- As a union representative, you learn an enormous amount. About how things work, about legislation and about speaking up for yourself and others. For me, it probably started with a desire for more orderly conditions," he says.
- We have an incredibly nice NITO group here, says Vågnes and smiles broadly.
Business Groups – Stand Stronger Together
A company group gives you and your colleagues the opportunity to influence the development of the workplace and strengthen pay and working conditions.
