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 1960s saw a rapid expansion of the product range and sales volume, and Glamox developed sales organizations in Sweden, Denmark anorganid 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.
Further expansion
In the following years, Glamox grew steadily through organic growth. Sales companies and production facilities were established in North America and Asia. A strong focus on product development resulted in innovations in products, technologies and design awards. In addition to supplying luminaries, Glamox also supplies light management systems. Advanced systems, such as for Human Centric Lighting applications, have been devised and implemented to improve user performance, comfort and sleep. The development of LED technology has played a key role in this evolution.
In recent years, Glamox has expanded through several acquisitions in various geographical markets and segments.