About Jotun

The group has 74 companies and 40 production facilities on all continents. Including the total network of legal companies, agents, branch offices and distributors Jotun is represented in more than 80 countries. Jotun's operations cover development, production, marketing and sales of various paint systems and products to protect and decorate surfaces in the residential, shipping and industrial markets. In 2009 the Jotun Group had a total sales income of NOK 12 814 million, and has today 7 400 employees.

"With 6 300 employees in more than 70 countries Jotun is a relatively small company, and in a global perspective our influence is limited. However, Jotun can still contribute to sustainable development in local communities. Jotun can create jobs and act responsibly. Through technology, investment and working processes Jotun can influence local development.

Our strategies and action plans are based on local development. We are there because of the market and we operate responsibly in the local community. We respect local culture, laws and regulations. The foundation of Jotun's corporate social responsibility lies in our values and business principles".

Jotun A/S will enhance long term competitiveness and financial performance through responsible approach, attitude and actions regarding Health, Safety and Environment.

All manufacturing companies in which Jotun A/S holds a minimum of 50% of the shares or has the management responsibility shall as a minimum comply with the Jotun HSE-standard. This includes also warehouses operated by Jotun.

The main purpose is to focus on HSE-matters as an integrated and important part of the total Jotun business, and help the management on all levels to understand the importance of these topics in the chemical industry.

This was due to excessive marketing costs incurred to confront the competition. Large sums of money were spent without achieving either stability or expansion, and it became apparent that there was a risk of large foreign paint manufacturers controlling parts of the Norwegian paint industry.

Norway had, and still has, one of the highest levels of paint consumption per capita in the world, and the price and quality level of the products is high. Even as a small market, Norway may be a temptation to large international manufacturers.The four major manufacturers in the Norwegian market were aware of the danger, and in August 1971 an agreement was reached.

Odd Gleditsch jr., then Managing Director of A/S Jotun, insisted that the four largest Norwegian manufacturers should merge. A/S Jotungruppen was established on 2nd January 1972. The four companies were: Alf Bjercke A/S, Fleichers Kjemiske Fabrikker A/S, A/S De-No-Fa og Lilleborg Fabrikker, and A/S Jotun Odd Gleditsch.