Over HÅG

The Origin Story of HÅG

HÅG chairs have been manufactured in the former Norwegian mining town of Røros since 1957. Known for its centuries-old wooden architecture and unique cultural landscape, Røros is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the town is steeped in history, HÅG’s production facilities in Røros are now among the most advanced in the European furniture industry.

Early Beginnings

However, the early days looked very different. For more than 300 years, copper mining had been the main source of employment in Røros. By the early 1950s, the mines were nearly exhausted, leaving the local community in a difficult economic position. A new chapter began when two companies—textile producer Røros Tweed and HÅG—chose to establish new business ventures in the region, helping to revitalise industrial activity in the town.

HÅG was originally founded by Håkon Granlund in Oslo, where it produced tubular steel furniture for kitchens and schools. The company grew quickly, but eventually needed more space to continue expanding. In 1955, the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry offered support for HÅG to relocate to Røros, where the county council had recently built new industrial premises to attract businesses to the area.

Upon arrival, HÅG hired many local residents, and throughout the late 1950s and 1960s the company experienced a period of strong growth. A dedicated workforce of around 50–70 employees powered what became a golden era of manufacturing in Røros.

A Crisis and a Turning Point

By the late 1960s, however, demand for tubular steel furniture declined significantly. In 1975, after the company came close to bankruptcy, leadership passed to one of its youngest and most dynamic sales and marketing employees, Torgeir Mjør Grimsrud, who went on to serve as CEO from 1975 to 2001. 

Under his leadership, HÅG began a major strategic transformation, shifting its focus from general furniture manufacturing to ergonomic office seating. This shift marked the beginning of what became known as the HÅG Movement—a concept reflecting not only the emphasis on movement and active sitting in HÅG chairs, but also a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose within the company itself.

Innovation and Sustainability

In the early 1990s, HÅG became the first company in Norway to appoint a dedicated environmental manager. Over the years, HÅG distinguished itself through a strong, proactive commitment to environmental responsibility and corporate social responsibility.

A major milestone came in 1992, when HÅG transitioned to just-in-time manufacturing. Instead of maintaining large inventories and three-week delivery times, the company could now manufacture chairs on demand and deliver within five days. This increased efficiency was critical—it enabled HÅG to continue producing chairs in Røros at a time when many competitors were forced to relocate production abroad.

Modernization and Expansion

In 2001, Lars Røiri was appointed CEO, marking the beginning of a new era of modernization, capacity building, and organizational development across every aspect of the company—from manufacturing to sales.

In 2007, around the time HÅG became part of the Flokk family, the company advanced its production capabilities even further by introducing Superflex—a highly efficient production system designed for mass customization. With Superflex, HÅG could produce any chair in any configuration at any moment, with a new chair rolling off the line approximately every 20 seconds. This increased productivity by roughly 70%.

Superflex has since been continually upgraded, ensuring that HÅG remains at the forefront of modern industrial production. Although partially automated, its effectiveness relies heavily on smart planning and the experience, skill, and diversity of the dedicated team working in Røros.

The Røros Community

HÅG and Flokk are deeply grateful to have been part of the Røros community for so many decades. This partnership has been one of the fundamental reasons for HÅG’s long-term success. The town’s heritage, craftsmanship, and culture of resilience continue to shape the identity of the brand.

All our HÅG chairs are proudly produced in Røros.