Our Story
The story of Pla-Mek® begins in 1991, when Oddmund Bjørdal acquired Langlo Mekaniske. At the time, Oddmund was working as a repair technician at Ekornes, but when he was offered the opportunity to take over the company, he seized it. He had noticed an injection molding machine at Langlo Mekaniske and became curious. Injection molding was new and exciting, and Oddmund enjoyed exploring and learning. His interest grew – and when Langlo later retired, Oddmund took over the operation. The company already had an agreement to produce a component for Ekornes – a relationship that remains strong to this day. Ekornes is still our largest customer. Oddmund had a burning desire to create. He never talked about “entrepreneurial spirit” – he simply called it finding solutions. Where others saw challenges, he saw opportunities. This mindset is still at the core of who we are and how we work.
Creativity, proximity, and execution – from the very beginning
Pla-Mek® was founded in 1991, when Oddmund Bjørdal acquired the building and machinery from Langlo Mekaniske. Having already worked closely with Svein Langlo, the transition was a natural step as Svein retired. Injection moulding was a new and exciting field, and the company already had established customers such as Ekornes and Vik Ørsta (formerly Ørsta Stålindustri) – relationships that remain strong to this day. Oddmund had a deep desire to create. He never spoke of “entrepreneurial spirit” – he simply called it finding solutions. Where others saw challenges, he saw opportunities. This mindset continues to define Pla-Mek® and the way we work.
From mechanical craftsmanship to technological precision
In 1992, Pla-Mek® was established as a limited company by Oddmund Bjørdal, Sveinung Ørjasæter, Sverre Hjelle, Odd Engeset, and Svein Langlo. Oddmund and Sverre were the first employees – Sverre brought extensive experience as a toolmaker, and Sveinung took responsibility for financial operations alongside his full-time job. The early years were about building step by step – both literally and figuratively. It was about dedication, proximity, and the ability to deliver. These values still characterize us today.
A technological leap – with the same values
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, we expanded our capacity, expertise, and customer relationships. We invested in advanced machinery, built new facilities, and launched production at multiple locations. Yet, our core remained unchanged: understanding customer needs and delivering the best solution – both creatively and economically. As technology evolved, so did we. We introduced robotics, automated our production, and built modern production cells. Quietly, we also took steps to become a more sustainable manufacturer, including internal recycling of plastic waste and early adoption of recycled materials.
A home for problem solvers and doers
Oddmund’s spirit lives on in our company culture. At Pla-Mek®, you’ll find more than machines – you’ll find people who care. People who think differently, work closely with customers, and do what’s needed – and do it right. Today, Pla-Mek® is one of Norway’s most advanced injection molding companies, with a high degree of automation and technical expertise. But what truly sets us apart is our close customer collaboration and our ability to develop smart, creative solutions together. We’ve transitioned from mechanical to technological – but we’ve never lost touch with the human side.
See how our journey has evolved – step by step
We’ve grown from a solid manufacturer to a trusted partner. The timeline below shows how we’ve developed through technical expertise, experience, and a commitment to finding the right solutions together.
Timeline
1991
Oddmund Bjørdal establishes a sole proprietorship and acquires the building and machinery from Langlo Mekaniske. Production begins using equipment from the 1960s.
1992
Pla-Mek AS is founded as a limited company by Oddmund Bjørdal, Sverre Hjelle, Sveinung Ørjasæter, Odd Engeset, and Svein Langlo. Investments are made in machinery. The company has two employees.
1995
The first new injection molding machine is purchased, and the company transitions to more computer-controlled production. The team grows to four employees.
1997-1998
The existing factory is expanded, and a new facility is completed on May 1, 1998. The company begins using recycled plastic. Five employees.
1998-2000
The machinery park is expanded with three new machines of various sizes, including a 2K machine. Six employees.
2001
A new factory building is established in Opshaugvik. Production capacity increases with five new machines, three of which support multi-component moulding. Eight employees.
2003
Continued growth brings the team to 11 employees.
2004
Pla-Mek® acquires 50% of Tretten Formplast AS, establishing a presence in Eastern Norway. This strategic partnership opens new markets and strengthens production capacity. The collaboration enhances knowledge sharing and enables closer customer follow-up in the region. 14 employees.
2006
Pla-Mek® acquires full ownership of Tretten Formplast AS and renames it Pla-Mek Tretten AS. Production continues at Tretten until autumn 2011.
2011
All production is consolidated and relocated from Tretten to Stranda.
2014-2015
A new factory building is purchased in Sykkylven, and all production is centralized there. Investments are made in modern production cells and an extrusion machine. The official opening takes place in June 2015.
