About us

The story of Hovdan

The year is 1946. The war is over, the country is in ruins, and most people are starting over with empty hands and full hearts. In a backyard in Oslo, a man stands with his eyes fixed on the future: Erling Hovdan .

But the story starts long before that.

With help and loans from Fredrik Olsen and Son, the business was established as early as 1910. Back then, it was a simple rope and ironmongery business – based on practical needs, local contacts and an unwavering work ethic. When Erling took over and carried on the legacy after the war, he had no investors, no machines, and no safety net. Just one thing: a goal to make life a little easier for those who were rebuilding the country.

So he started again. One customer at a time. Everything from small parts to large coils of rope – packed and carried with his own hands.

It was not an easy road. The warehouse was cold in the winter, heavy in the summer and never big enough. The phones were analog and orders were written by hand. But one thing was clear from the start: Erling delivered what he promised – and he never promised more than he could keep.

A name you could trust

During the 1950s and 1960s, the name Hovdan emerged as a safe choice. People knew: “If it comes from Erling, it works.” The products he sold could withstand sea, cold and heavy use – just like his customers.

It was never about being the biggest. It was about being the best – in honesty, in service, in showing up when the going gets tough.

From simple products to robust solutions

In 1997, the company took a new step and became Hovdan Poly AS . Now with a wider range of products within plastics, safety and maritime equipment – ​​but still with its feet firmly planted in the same values.

Today, over 110 years after its establishment and almost 80 years after the post-war reconstruction, the legacy lives on. We deliver to professionals and private individuals all over the country. We use digital tools and modern warehouse systems. But every order, every customer, every pallet in the warehouse – is a reminder of how it all began.