Three decades in the same company – Ingvald looks back

As a teenager, Ingvald Jonassen (56) from Nærbø followed his father to work at Bryne Stål, then located next door to AKVA group. One day he dropped by to ask about a summer job – and got a yes. Under Ole Molaug, founder and long-time leader of AKVA group, he started as a summer worker in 1986.

“I was only supposed to work one summer. But after finishing lower secondary 
school I stayed on, and suddenly three decades had passed,” he says with a smile.

Christmas card 1987: Back row from left: Trond Scheie, Leif Kåre Pedersen, Knut Molaug and Tor Rune Lura. Middle row from left: Reidar Haugland, Ole Molaug, Tønnes Grødeland, Arne Larsen, Georg Gundersen and Ingvald Jonassen. Front row from left: Cathrine Hole, Hjørdis Rimestad, Odd Skjæveland and Geir Berge. Photo: AKVA group/Odd Skjæveland

Today, Ingvald works as a production technician and caretaker at AKVA group in Kverneland. His days are varied – from producing valves and equipment, to collecting and delivering goods, fixing machinery and assisting with final product testing.

From manual welding to high technology

When Ingvald started, waterborne feeding systems were still on the drawing board. The tasks were manual and varied: assembly, welding and on-site adjustments at facilities across Norway.

The first automated systems were air-based feeding. Here from an early facility in the  Air-based feeding is a system that blows feed pellets through pipes with air, ensuring the correct amount of feed reaches each pen at the right time. Photo: AKVA group/Odd Skjæveland

“The technological development has been enormous. In the beginning there was a lot of physical work and improvisation. Now tools, safety and production processes are on a completely different level. The work is far more organised and safer than it used to be," he says.

At the same time, the workplace has grown considerably – from a handful of employees in Bryne to 200 today, and around 1,500 worldwide. Modern production facilities and a more structured operation have been added, but the development is just as much about the people and the leaders who have guided the company through different phases.

Shift work: From left: Leif Kåre Pedersen, Sigmund Jonassen (Ingvild’s father), Knut Molaug, Ingvald Jonassen and Reidar Haugland. Photo: AKVA group/Odd Skjæveland

Leaders who left their mark

Over the years Ingvald has had five different managers, and he particularly highlights the period under Ole Molaug.

“With Ole it was always more about the invention than the profit. He was focused on making things work and creating something new. Every leader has had their own style, and I have learnt something from each one,” Ingvald explains.

Aqua Nor: Smiling faces in Trondheim in 1989. From left: Knut Molaug, Leif Kåre Pedersen, Georg Gundersen, Alfred Bolme, Harald Jelsa and Ingvald Jonasen. Photo: AKVA group/Odd Skjæveland

Team spirit and camaraderie

What has really kept Ingvald in the job is the sense of community.

“No day is ever the same, and never alone. The camaraderie with colleagues means a lot. There is an open culture, and we support each other and find solutions together – both in production and during breaks,” he says.

Ingvald is not the only one with long service. Many of today’s employees have spent large parts of their careers in AKVA group, contributing valuable experience and continuity.

“Nobody achieves anything alone. We rely on each other to create a good end result. Trust and collaboration are the key,” says Ingvald.

Learning along the way

Throughout the years he has had many opportunities to develop – through courses, certificates and experience in different fields.

“I started with little knowledge, but have been able to build up broad expertise in mechanical work, electronics and production. It has given me professional strength I would never have gained without this job. AKVA group has always encouraged further training for those who want it,” he says.

Ingvald Jonassen inside production at Kverneland. Photo: AKVA group

Pride and purpose

When asked what he is most proud of, Ingvald points to the company’s journey.

“Looking back, it feels almost unbelievable. We were just a few dozen people in Bryne. Now we are 1,500 worldwide, and customers recognise our name across the globe. It gives real meaning to be part of a company that makes life easier for fish farmers – from the simple feed handling solutions at the start to today’s advanced systems,” he says.

Advice for the next generation

With around ten years left before retirement, Ingvald sees himself continuing in the way he enjoys most: with varied days in production. To young people considering a career at AKVA group, he has clear advice:

“The opportunities are many. You can start on the shop floor and work your way up to management if you want to. But you must also be willing to contribute yourself. The workplace will never be better than what you make of it.”