Founded in Norway. Built for the World.

Company

JETS celebrates 40 years of global partnership and progress. In 2026, JETS marks 40 years as a technology company with a clear purpose: developing smart, resource‑efficient vacuum solutions for use across the world.

Published on 2026-05-12

Founded on Hareid, Norway, JETS was built on local engineering expertise and founder-driven innovation. From the very beginning, however, the market was international. The global maritime industry provided a natural starting point, shaping both the technology and the mindset that still define JETS today.

Four decades later, JETS solutions are used across multiple industries and regions, while headquarters and core operations remain firmly rooted in Norway.

JETS was established in Dragsund in 1986, but moved into premises at Hareid in 1989. The building was originally a pipe organ factory.

From the left, Olav Hofseth, Bjørg Marit Moldskred, Jan Tore Leikanger and Kåre Audun Haddal. Olav was among the founders of JETS, and his ideas and product development became fundamental to the company. Later, Kåre joined, bringing strong business instincts and an extensive network. Bjørg and Jan Tore was one of the early employees at JETS.

From a maritime foundation to multiple markets

The maritime sector was JETS’ first and defining platform. Over time, the vacuum technology and competence developed for demanding marine environments proved equally valuable in other applications.

Today, JETS technologies are used in buildings, infrastructure, condensate water handling and mobile systems – applying the same principles of reliability, efficiency and reduced environmental footprint across a wide range of use cases.

This development is not about leaving the maritime heritage behind, but about building on it – bringing proven technology into new contexts where it creates real value.

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At JETS, we have developed and refined our vacuum technology over several decades. By working closely with the products and systems every day, we continue to improve and further develop the technology over time.

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Production at Hareid has remained an important part of JETS for more than four decades, with solutions and expertise delivered to customers around the world.

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Today, JETS operates from its own facilities at Hareid and has, in recent years, also acquired several buildings in the surrounding area.

Global reach – powered by local expertise

As JETS has grown into a global technology provider, strong local expertise and collaboration remain essential. Engineering, product development and production are centred in Hareid, Norway, while engineering and operations teams in Saldus, Latvia, play a key role in supporting global deliveries and partners.

Equally important are the people representing JETS far beyond our own locations.

Our representatives, partners and distributors are a vital part of who we are – meeting customers, solving challenges, adapting solutions locally and carrying the JETS values into everyday practice. Their work in the market is an extension of JETS itself.

Øyvind Tørlen, CEO, highlights committed people and steady long‑term development as key drivers behind the company’s recent performance.

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JETS is also established in Saldus, Latvia, where the company has its own production and office facilities.

People, values and responsibility

People have always been central to JETS’ development – internally and externally. Long‑term partnerships, trust and shared ambition are just as important as technology.

JETS also takes responsibility beyond its core business, supporting initiatives for children and young people and promoting values such as courage, respect and inclusion. These values shape both how we work together and how we engage with the communities around us.

Looking ahead – together

Celebrating 40 years is not only about looking back. It is also about recognising the partnerships and shared efforts that will shape the years to come.

The global need for smart, resource‑efficient solutions continues to grow. Meeting that need requires close cooperation across borders – from engineering and production to local market knowledge and customer relationships.

JETS’ story has always been built on collaboration. That remains true as we move forward.

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