Congratulations to Unni Sofie Eitran on passing her professional exam. Good work 🙂
Last school year, UMF signed an agreement with Numedal VGS that technology and industrial subjects (also known as TIF) will move into their domain. So far, it has proven to be a successful collaboration.
Technology and industrial subjects teacher, Trond Foss, says it has been an interesting and motivating project, both for teachers and students.

– It has been very inspiring, and the staff at UMF have been positive and welcoming. They have taken very good care of us all, which has contributed to us feeling welcome. We are looking forward to the further collaboration with UMF, says Foss.
Recruitment through availability and collaboration
UMF is also left with positive experiences:
It is important for the company to recruit new and young people who want to live in the municipality. As a natural consequence of this, we present our company to young people.
Rune Tollefsen, UMF’s person responsible for coordinating the training with Numedal VGS.

The students have been at UMF once a week. There they have received training in CAD drawing, programming and CNC driving. Tollefsen has been responsible for plans and implementation, while Numedal VGS has been present with its own subject teacher throughout. For some of the training, the class has been divided in two, whereas training has been split between the factory and the school. This requires a will to cooperate.
This cooperation gives many good ripple effects. UMF has cutting-edge expertise in its field, and this gives students an academic boost.

They get in direct contact with the business world and thus gain an insight into how the industry works. At the same time, UMF gets a good opportunity to get to know students who are potentially their future apprentices.
A business model for the future
Foss is convinced that this is the way to educate skilled workers:
– It is about preparing the students the best way possible for work after school. At the same time, it gives the company access to apprentices who have expertise in modern technology. In this way, the transition between upper secondary education and the company becomes more seamless. This is easier for both the company and the apprentice.


Tollefsen also believes that this model can have a lot going for it. He believes that it is usefull to be out in a company and learn.
– It is a slightly different school day than just sitting in the classroom, he adds with a smile.
When UMF hired a new quality engineer, it was Kenneth who won the title. Now he has settled in, and he enjoys his new work place.
– I hadn’t heard of UMF before, but I am impressed by the high-tech level the factory represents. Not just any factory can deal with the type of tasks we deal with. It is clearly a stamp of quality, says Kenneth.


UMF is based on solid and valuable knowledge. There are examples where we have come up with innovative solutions to problems that have seemed intractable. We do undoubtingly have a tradition of setting the bar high and stretching accordingly.
Kenneth, quality engineer
One must always strive for perfection
Those who know Kenneth know that he is concerned with quality. He lives by the principle that higher quality leads to higher trust. In his work as a quality engineer, this means that he has high ambitions for the production. Not only is he concerned with closely following up on deviation management. It is also important for him to think preventively.
– Ideally, we should find latent deviations before they become deviations, or at least find the reason why they occur and ensure that similar deviations do not occur in the future. After all, quality is not just about handling the problems after they occur. It is even more important to be proactive and ensure that errors do not occur in the first place. There is a lot of responsibility in such a position, but it is a necessary responsibility, Kenneth says with emphasis.



Fearless type with a heart for the local community
Not everyone would feel comfortable taking on such a big responsibility, but Kenneth is the fearless type. He has always been adventurous, and has taken risks and jumped at the opportunities that have opened up. Traveling has meant a lot to him, and he has, among other things, lived in China for several years, where he was apprenticed as a swordsmith.
He first sought out a swordsman, but was told that he had to learn Chinese before he would be accepted. One year later, when the language was in place, he returned and was allowed to begin his apprenticeship.
You set out on a path, and it takes you where you’re going. Where you go – there you are.
Kenneth, quality engineer

This is how he has moved from one thing to the other, both professionally and privately. Among other things, this has led to him gaining a lot of relevant experience from various roles within production. In this context, UMF is a small workplace compared to what he is used to. He believes this is a major competitive advantage:
– If a machine breaks down, you lose money for as long as production is at a halt. At UMF, however, the management is close. Everyone pulls in the same direction, and it becomes easier to both fulfill needs and solve problems. Everyone plays an important role, and everyone helps to build and further develop. This in turn creates more ownership of the company and what it does.

Kenneth talks warmly, and it is clear that this is something that engages him. He appreciates being in a company with a good sense of unity, where everyone is on a first-name basis with each other and builds something together.

Passion for good handwork
Kenneth is easily absorbed by things, and needs to have something to do. He has had many interests over the years, such as snowboarding, travel, photography, astronomy, astrophotography, genetics, kayaking, Norse history, bookbinding, diving, motorcycling and pistol shooting. He has moved away from some, while other interests live on. The passion that has perhaps followed him the longest is the one that in his time made him seek out the sword master in China. Today, Kenneth has a forge where he forges and finishes his own knives.
– Forging knives is an artistic expression. I like to reuse old materials with history. It could be an old railway track, a saw blade, the remains of a Russian tank or a 300-year-old wedge from Kongsberg Sølvverk. Roots and history are important things to bring with you, says Kenneth.




With a focus on the exceptional
Then there was this thing about always striving for perfection. This clearly does not only apply to the job as a quality engineer. Kenneth’s knives have only become more and more extensive in design and layout. 3-4 years ago he spent 50-60 hours on a knife. Now it takes 500-600 hours to finish one knife. And he only makes one, exclusive knife a year. He works in more and more detail, and has introduced engraving to a greater extent, as well as the use of various precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Now he also embosses his knives with extensive use of 24 carat gold. The only correct thing is to call his knives exceptional.
Do you want to know more about the knifesmith in Numedal? Check out Facebook and knivsmeden.no.
The five S’s
Kenneth’s idea that the road takes you where you go has led him from China, via exciting professional challenges and varied fields of interest to Uvdal and the machine factory. But he has not left everything behind him. With him to UMF, he has taken a mindset of basic quality assurance and thoroughness: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke. In short, this is about having the right and appropriate amount of tools, maintaining order so you don’t have to spend time looking, that everything has its place and that you are systematic in following up on these principles. He believes they can be used to achieve the high goals he has as a quality engineer.

– Quality is important, and we must always focus on what kind of goals we have. UMF has a desire to be a reliable supplier and create good relationships with customers. In production where people are involved, there will always be deviations. But our aim is of course to keep the deviation to an absolute minimum level. Therefore, we set high standards for ourselves. It’s about striving for perfection, smiles Kenneth.
Have you read about Trym who, after two years as an apprentice at UMF, got a vocational certificate?
-The new forging machine is a vital key to our new line of products. The machine is more modern, more versatile and far more flexible compared to the machines we use today, explains the general manager of Monark Norway, Rune Hellingsrud.
Forging machine for drilling rods
Monark is a big supplier of drilling products to the mining industry, infrastructure projects and a wide range of other industries. With its 110 employees, they supply drilling products to over 90 countries and have a large market on the American continent.
-The machine is designed to produce threads for drill rods. The end of each rod is heated and compressed into the correct shape with internal threads. This makes it possible to join several rods together, which means you can drill further into the rock, Rune explains.

The forging machine must withstand extremely hard use and harsh conditions during its lifecycle. In that sense, many of the components are overdimensioned and built to last.
Development and sales manager, Harald Vrenne
Faithful collaboration with UMF
When establishing the new production line at Monark’s department in Ockelbo, Sweden. It became clear that UMF was the preferred supplier for developing and production of the new machine.
-We have had an extensive collaboration with UMF for many years already. They have delivered several products and components for us, including drill bits and other equipment. UMF has the skill, the “know how” and an in-depth knowledge of our industry, says Hellingsrud.

Overdimensioned, built to last
Development manager at Uvdal Maskinfabrikk, Harald Vrenne also talks about a good and constructive collaboration with Monark.
Read about our new ERP implementation: ─ A project that will affect us for many years to come

-This is a development project, Monark has in-depth knowledge of their specific needs. In order for Monark to get the best possible product, we have played on each other’s strengths through large parts of the development and production, Vrenne explains.
-The machine is delivered with three servo-controlled hydraulic axes and has a large reservoar of power. This makes it both flexible and can be used for many different products.
-These are equipment that will withstand extremely harsh conditions and hard use over many years, in that sense many of the components are overdimensioned in terms of how much it should withstand, Harald elaborates.



Henning Nørstebø at Uvdal Maskinfabrikk has recently trained as an International Welding Inspector
-The fact that Henning has acquired the competence as International Welding Inspector (IWI-S) ensures that we can continue to deliver products at a very high standard, says production manager at UMF, Atle Næsset.
Demanding
In order for UMF to deliver products for industry, it is required that you have a certified welding coordinator in the company. The training as an International Welding Coordinator is carried out both digitally and practically at the Kiwa Institute of Technology in Stavanger.
-It is a demanding course to participate in. You need to be prepared and put in an effort to pass the training and subsequent exam, says Nørstebø.

-The fact that Henning has acquired the competence as International Welding Inspector (IWI-S) ensures that we can continue to deliver products at a very high standard.
Production manager at UMF, Atle Næsset.
-The course is conducted in two parts. First online with the following exam, before moving on to practical schooling with a final test in Stavanger. All this must of course be passed and there were several of this year’s participants that did not pass. Fortunately, it went well for me this time, says Henning.
Read about our new ERP implementation: ─ A project that will affect us for many years to come
Demanding requirements for quality
Production manager Atle Næsset says that their customers set extensive quality requirements for the products UMF delivers.

-Especially in the oil & gas- and aerospace industry, we meet sky-high demands as a manufacturer. Henning’s job is therefore incredibly important for us at UMF.
-His job is to implement quality control and make sure that all the documentation and procedures are carried out in the correct manner. Especially when welding new alloys and materials, Næsset concludes.
Further reading: Containment Boom System Developed by UMF

Once or twice a year, Statkraft has needed cleaning of the intake gates of the power plant, Nore 2. In hopes to extend the interval between each cleaning, they contacted Uvdal Maskinfabrikk (UMF) for possible solutions.
UMF developed a boom where cost-effectiveness and durability were emphasized. The boom was produced and installed in 2018. We have not needed to stop and drain as a result of a clogged gate since, says maintenance manager at Nore Kraftverk, Ole Gunnar Haug.

Choosing a Local Partner
Statkraft had good knowledge of UMF from previous collaboration and execution of jobs. UMF, therefore, became a natural first choice in this phase.
– After some preparation in Statkraft, we gathered some ideas for a possible solution to the challenge of frequent cleaning. For further planning, construction, development, and eventually testing, we saw a great advantage in choosing a local partner.
– Throughout the whole process, we had a good dialogue with UMF. In the test phase, we participated with the crew and adapted the necessary production. In relation to land anchoring, the forces were calculated by UMF after input on currents from Statkraft. The collaboration was close to achieving a safe solution both during assembly, but also during further operation, and in relation to third parties.

A Cost-Efficient Solution
The purpose of the containment boom is to collect and divert waste that enters the watercourse during floods. – The containment boom does the job in a very efficient way. It also has minimal maintenance, making us save on costs, and again making it cost-efficient.
– There will not be as many stops and empties of Rødbergdammen as before, with the environmental challenges it has. A clean gate also gives less head loss, and thus greater production with the same amount of water, Ole Gunnar Haug concludes.




Quality in Every Aspect
Uvdal Maskinfabrikk offers production of mechanical parts, assembled products, and precision components in advanced materials. We possess solid technical competence and engineering capacity for prototype production as the containment boom-system for Statkraft.
At UMF, we strive to be among the very best suppliers in its industry for quality. For us, quality means that every delivery at least satisfies what has been agreed upon.
This is Uvdal Maskinfabrikk
For more than 40 years, we have developed into a solid and reliable supplier, offering complex mechanical production of high-quality products. Our production facilities consist of precision machines of the highest quality and we take on projects and productions from idea to prototype and series production. Read more about what we offer here.
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The decision to implement an entire new ERP-system was no small feat. It will take time and is a long and thorough process. ─ This isn’t merely an IT-project, but rather a restructuring of the entire systems of the company, says managing director of UMF, Olaf Ødegård
The “heart” of the company
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) will take care of all processes in the entire production-chain of the company. All processes such as sales, purchasing, project follow-up, production and the inventory is coordinated into one specific solution. In addition, all variants of existing software will be integrated into the new system.
─ There has been a formidable development of ERP systems in the last four to five years. The solution we have chosen is future-oriented and ensures us a good position for further development.
─ Being able to connect the CNC-machines to the system and using real-time data is something we have been looking forward to, Ødegård explains.
The solution we have chosen is future-oriented and ensures us a good position for further development.
Olaf Ødegård – Managing Director, Uvdal Maskinfabrikk.
Several candidates on the table
The restructuring-project is something Uvdal Maskinfabrikk has been working on for several years already. ─After a long and thorough selection process, we were left with a few candidates. Our choice fell on Monitor ERP System, specifically their G5 version. Monitor develops systems that are tailored for production and industrial companies. With a huge market share in Sweden, they are now ready to expand their market to Norway and several other nordic countries.

─ We find Monitor’s expansion to other countries extremely positive. This is a huge benefit for UMF and we look forward to further collaboration with Monitor in the future. ─ In addition to great functionality Monitor has really invested a lot in the user experience. It is impressive that they have managed to make such a complex and intricate system so user-friendly and simple, Ødegård emphasizes. Uvdal Maskinfabrikk will also have access to Monitor Academy, an online training program, that will ensure a smooth transition to the new system in the spring of 2022.
Learn more about Monitor G5 in the video below.
Specially adapted for production companies
Mikael Ekblom in Monitor ERP System says that the G5 is very well adapted to UMF’s needs.
─ We specialize directly towards production companies, this is our greatest strength. In that sense, UMF is a very good match for us at Monitor. In Sweden our market share is 43%, and now that we are investing in Norway, we also expect significant growth here as well.
─ We specialize directly towards production companies, this is our greatest strength.
Mikael Ekblom – Monitor ERP.

─ The unique thing about Monitor G5 is that all customers get the exact same version of the program. Everyone has access to the same feature packed system and the different tools that comes with it. Then we simply adapt the user interface to suit each company.
─ This means that we can continuously roll out new updates and improvements so that the system is never going to be outdated, Ekblom explains.
This is Uvdal Maskinfabrikk
We would like to thank you for the good cooperation in the past year and wish all our business associates a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Uvdal Maskinfabrikk will be closed from and including 23rd of December until and including 2nd of January. Last receipt/delivery must be processed during Wednesday 22nd of December 2:00 PM. We reopen Monday 3rd of January with normal opening hours.
Seen the UMF-video?
With an dedicated focus on quality and solid professional expertise over a number of decades, we at UMF have established ourselves as a recognized world-class Norwegian supplier.
See this photos from our production
Autumn has arrived, and with the winter darkness right around the corner it is important to see and be seen. Therefore, Uvdal Maskinfabrikk has sponsored grades one through four at Rødberg and Uvdal schools with brand new reflective vests.
Be visible in the autumn darkness
With its black and wet asphalt, autumn might be the time of year when it is most difficult to spot pedestrians. However, with their new reflective vests from UMF, the children walking to school will be easier to spot.
– Children being visible on their way to school is definitely a priority to us. Our municipality is large and elongated, with many people riding school buses. Our pupils often stand by the roadside waiting for school transport. Therefore, it is essential to be seen. We have got no one to lose, and a safe school route is important, says Head of Department, Bård Halvorsen, at Rødberg school.
– It is a great and positive initiative on UMF’s part. In one way or another, we all have knowledge of UMF. In addition to this initiative, they contribute to schools in many other ways; Placement of students during workweeks for example, Halvorsen points out.
We cheer for each other and wish each other well.
Lars Granhaug – Headmaster at Uvdal School
Wants to contribute to a safe school route
For Uvdal Maskinfabrikk, it is important to be team players and contribute to a safe local community.
─ As a cornerstone company and one of the largest workplaces in the municipality, we believe that it is crucial to take care of the society we are part of. We are entirely dependent on the great people in our community.
─ Our children are the dearest we have, so it is a pleasure for UMF to contribute to increased safety along the school road. We also hope that the pupils think it is cool to be assigned their own reflective vest with the UMF logo. They probably know someone who works with us at the factory, says general manager at Uvdal Maskinfabrikk, Olaf Ødegård.
Uvdal Maskinfabrikk will be closed during week 29 and 30
Due to summer holidays, we will be closed during week 29 and 30. Last receipt/delivery must be processed within 14.00 Friday 16th of July.
We reopen Monday 2nd of August with ordinary opening hours.
We wish all our business contacts a GREAT SUMMER!
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