While teaching physics and chemistry to university students, Birger Hatlebakk was privately experimenting with electrochemical processes. He discovered a method for electrochemical surface treatment of aluminium, which he called glamoxation. (From the Norwegian words glatt-matt-oxydert). This process he initially used for various industrial purposes. The lighting company Glamox was founded when Birger Hatlebakk realized how the glamoxation process could be used to manufacture efficient aluminium reflectors for powerful luminaires.

Early days
A number of successful lighting products were developed, and a purpose-made factory was built in Molde, Hatlebakk’s home town. By 1959 there were 147 employees, and a solid financial platform for further expansion had been established.

Glamox goes international
The 1960ies saw a rapid expansion of the product range and sales volume, and Glamox developed sales organizations in Sweden, Denmark and the United Kingdom. By 1969 there were 470 employees. During the 70ies production was also established in Finland. Sales companies were established in Finland, Germany and Austria, and the first deliveries to the North Sea marine and offshore installations were made. The factory in Estonia was established in 1992.

Acquisitions and further expansion
Glamox made a number of important acquisitions from the 1980ies onwards, including Høvik Lys, Norselight and Aqua Signal – all strong brands in the lighting industry. Through acquisitions and expansion production and assembly now takes place at a number of factories in Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Poland, UK, Canada and China. There are presently 2450 employees.