DESIGN & INNOVATION TAPPED Ostnor is a leading European supplier of quality sanitary fittings. Since the company was created through the merger of two of Sweden’s most successful manufacturers, Ostnor has moved into new healthcare business segments and expanded into new export markets. Philip Yorke reports.
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he foundations of the Ostnor Group were laid in the late 18th century when farmers in the harsh Mora region of Sweden were forced to find an alternative means of supporting themselves. Initially, in order to supplement their income from farming the villagers turned their hands to clockmaking. Through this craft, the villagers gained knowledge and experience of working with brass which ultimately led to the manufacture of sanitary fittings that the company is so well-known for today. The two brands that merged to form Ostnor AB were FM Mattsson and Mora Armatur. The company’s joint production facility in Ostnor, Sweden, is home to northern Europe’s largest and most modern brass foundry.
196 Industry Europe
Today the Ostnor Group employs more than 500 people and is one of Europe’s leading sanitary fittings manufacturers. The company exports its products primarily to Europe as well as a number of other countries worldwide and in 2010 it recorded sales of approximately SEK 1000m.
Design and innovation driving sales Ostnor’s long and well-documented heritage has meant that for many years it has enjoyed a reputation for quality and stylish Swedish design. The company’s business concept is to supply the market with a high-quality range of taps, accessories and services that are clearly focused on its customer’s needs and the changing trends in the consumer marketplace. In addition, Ostnor continues to invest in the latest technology to enhance its product’s quality and durability. The company employs its own in-house design team and R&D department and was the first to introduce such innovations as ceramic seals, non-freeze garden taps, soft closing single lever mixers and
thermostatic mixing valves. It is said that more than 100 years of unique patented solutions are behind every Ostnor product. Another recent innovation has been the introduction of a new range of mixers in the Morsa MMX Care product line. This unique range of products was developed by Ostnor to meet the growing demand from the older generation who are suffering from rheumatism and related conditions. The new Mora MMIX range has been tested and approved by the Swedish rheumatism association and offers outstanding functionality and ease of operation.
