Einar Øgrey

About the business

What is your organisation's core business and what needs does it meet in the market?

The company has approximately 85 employees. Øgrey Farsund's core business and main activity is everything mechanical. Øgrey has a large mechanical travel department of 20 people, who are usually travelling. They have been awarded a major contract for the installation of several high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, which the electromechanical travel department is working on. At the moment they are in Norway, but they are travelling on to Germany, the Netherlands and France it seems. Øgrey fulfils a need for many local businesses in the Lister region. "Farmers and other local businesses come to us to get hold of things they can't get hold of in other ways, because they are small players in the market.

What are your organisation's key strengths compared to similar players in the industry?

The customer can come to us with a job and we'll do it straight away. We are committed to offering the local community what we can offer, and have a very short delivery time from order to customer receiving what they have ordered. Flexibility in the company means we can turn round quickly and get things done fast. We have broad expertise, which means that we can offer and do most things mechanical.

What core competences or technologies set your business apart from the competition?

We have our own in-house designers and don't have to send things away. This saves time, and we can deliver everything from A to Z - everything from planning and design to the final product. We have many people who have been in the industry for a long time and have had many different assignments over the years that have given us a lot of broad expertise.

Work environment and culture

How would you describe the work culture in your organisation?

People step up when needed and have a positive attitude towards it. At times we get a lot of work at once. It's a male-dominated company, but we're open to everyone. Many of our employees have long service and have been here for 20-25 years. We're open throughout the summer, so our employees can choose when to take their holidays.

What measures are implemented to create a safe, inclusive and good working environment?

We are in the process of being certified in ISO45001 Working Environment, and hope to have it in place by 2025. Anette Olsen Vik will be working on this. Routines are now being developed around performance appraisals, which will be introduced and become a routine in the company in the future. There is also a separate company club/trade union. They also have their own events for those who are members of the club. Membership is voluntary and employees pay 1.5% of their salary to join. There are many benefits to membership, and we encourage everyone to join. There are currently around 50 employees who are members of the company club/trade union.

How does your organisation work with diversity, equality and inclusion?

Inclusion is important to us and we have a lot of socialising. We try not to discriminate against age, where you come from, gender and language (as far as possible). We have people from NAV who have had a difficult start to their working career, but who work with us now. We have an employee who is deaf - he has been here for many years. Fire alarms with lights have been installed throughout the company to accommodate him. We're working on a ladies' changing room to make it a little more attractive for women to come here. At Alcoa, for the 20 employees who work there, they already have a ladies' changing room.

Future and sustainability

How does your organisation work with innovation and future-oriented solutions?

We design products that are more environmentally friendly/lighter in relation to those who have to handle them. We deliver solutions to different needs that are more sustainable. Anette's area of responsibility is HR and also sustainability.

What specific measures does the organisation have in place to promote sustainability and reduce its environmental footprint?

We do a lot of sorting, including delivering metal for recycling that is melted down. Øgrey has environmental certification.

How does your business make a positive contribution to the local community?

Contributing to the local community where needed - giving back to the local community. We tend to sponsor local things. Is a great workplace for the future - this will be important for the local community.

We are sponsors and also contribute to Sea Monster Week. We are now developing a litter bin shaped like a shark.

Development and integration:

What development and career opportunities are offered to employees?

Apprentices have the opportunity to become permanent employees. If employees wish to obtain a new trade certificate, we facilitate this. There are several employees who have several certificates, often two. For those who do not have a certificate, we encourage them to get one. We want professional expertise. We want our employees to have a certain level of expertise. We facilitate further education in relevant fields.

How does your organisation help new employees thrive both at work and in the local community?

Christmas table is with partners. One from Germany, will live in Lyngdal. Ukraine, lives in Lindesnes. When they arrive, we want to help them as much as possible so that they can establish themselves. We've received CVs from partners who are looking for work. Want to help them get off to a good start here. So far, we don't have much experience with this.

What social activities or initiatives are in place to strengthen cohesion among employees?

Socially, we have an annual joint barbecue in June, and every five years all employees and their companions go on a company-sponsored trip abroad. Last year, they travelled to Paris in May - they have done this for many years. We have a joint Christmas party attended by a partner, and are working on more events for the employees.

Recruitment

What are they doing locally in relation to e.g. schools (middle school/secondary school)?

Last week they had a visit from VG2, the mechanics, who are invited to Øgrey twice a year. We offer welding - they can't do that at school, but they get to try it out here. They've also been invited from Flekkefjord, but haven't received any response yet. We've also invited the 10th grade youth school - and they're coming in June. Next year, we want them to come before they have to choose their next step.

What channels do you use for recruitment?

We receive many open applications - they are assessed on an ongoing basis. Otherwise, we use FINN and adverts in Lister24 - both in newspapers and online. Many would prefer to go to the North Sea. Øgrey takes on 2-3 apprentices per year. It has an Alcoa department, and this workshop was set up when Alcoa was due to open. There is a separate Øgrey department at Alcoa with about 20 people.

Receives many open applications - they are assessed on an ongoing basis. Takes on apprentices. Have only advertised for energy fitters. When they advertise positions, they get few relevant applicants. There are fewer and fewer applicants. Many prefer to go to the North Sea, while at the same time there are fewer people training in vocational subjects. Øgrey takes on 2-3 apprentices per year. It has an Alcoa department, and this workshop was established when Alcoa was due to open. There is a separate Øgrey department at Alcoa with about 20 people.