Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by PALFINGER
Seimsfoss is an idyllic community three kilometers south of Rosendal. Surrounded by majestic fjords and lush forests – it is a hidden gem. As the community attempts to increase its population, PALFINGER MARINE feels a special responsibility to assist in achieving communal growth targets while also bolstering our own local branch with exceptional new talent. Allow us to introduce you to a hospitable city and branch eager to welcome new faces from all around the globe.
It’s a story as old as time. Young people in rural areas seek challenges in urban environments, often unaware that in seemingly modest communities like Seimsfoss, remarkable opportunities await. At the same time, when dedicated employees reach retirement age, local companies face a challenge to replace them adequately. In Seimsfoss, PALFINGER MARINE hopes to reverse both trends by inviting potential candidates to consider relocating to the picturesque Norwegian coastal town. It’s hard to imagine a community more welcoming to international incomers, which is why PALFINGER MARINE’s global approach is such a perfect match for the city.
PALFINGER MARINE office in Seimsfoss
Seimsfoss – A Rural Innovation Gateway to the World
As a global partner for pioneering and reliable deck equipment and lifesaving appliances for the most renowned companies in the maritime sector, PALFINGER MARINE offers an exceptional opportunity to seek a fresh start at the forefront of electrification and digitization. Our site in Seimsfoss, which primarily focuses on sales and development projects related to boats and davits, currently employs more than 50 people – a healthy blend of seasoned professionals and fresh talent.
Seimsfoss has evolved into a hub for innovative products and solutions. Coupled with the fact that the office is nestled within a serene and inviting community in a stunning natural landscape, the city offers a truly unique proposition for anyone seeking a new challenge with global reach.
What to Expect – The Inside Take
Kjell Ove Underhaug, Senior Engineer Global Project Planning at PALFINGER MARINE
Why take our word for it? We sat down with two colleagues in Seimsfoss to hear their side of the story. Kjell Ove Underhaug, Senior Engineer Global Project Planning, is actually from the area. In fact, he is somewhat of a local legend given his long track record with PALFINGER MARINE.
While he is now primarily responsible for new product development, sales and technical support, his impressive career included many exciting tasks such as the coordination of numerous free-fall lifeboat tests. How does he feel about our site in Seimsfoss?
“This place may be smaller than other cities, but the branch is still a perfect place to accompany product ideas from start to finish on an international level,” Kjell Ove argues. “There is no commute, the colleagues are friendly, the work environment is exciting, and from time to time, I even get to travel internationally for work. If that isn’t enough to persuade you, I can tell you that many people who left returned shortly thereafter,” he smiles and adds: “Yet we would be thrilled to welcome new faces to our office. It would be a breath of fresh air – both for the company and the city itself.”
Astrid Slaake, Project Manager at PALFINGER MARINE, is one of the more recent arrivals at our Seimsfoss location, so she can give us a different perspective. Astrid is a perfect example for the professional and personal growth opportunities we offer: “I joined the company as a receptionist in 2015, but I was soon invited to join the Service department. I then transitioned to Sales before ultimately being promoted to Project Manager.”
Astrid Slaake, Project Manager at PALFINGER MARINE
Her current position perfectly embodies the almost contradicting global and rural appeal of Seimsfoss: “I work in a global company, learn about different cultures, and meet people from all over the world. You might not think it, but no day here is the same.” When asked how she perceives the community, Astrid’s answer mirrors Kjell Ove’s: “Seimsfoss boasts a great group of people, both work-related and in terms of social life. Everyone is always meeting up outside working hours for some fun. Quite apart from having access to wonderful fjords and mountains, the residents are really helpful and take care of each other.”
Kvinnherad, the municipality in which Seimsfoss is located, has over time experienced a declining population and has therefore committed to reverse the trend. The ambitious goal is to increase the number of residents from 13,000 to 15,000 by 2050. PALFINGER MARINE perceives itself as part of the community and is therefore more than happy to contribute to achieving this goal.
Interested in exploring the future at our PALFINGER MARINE office in Seimsfoss? Check out our job vacancies in the community as well as the attractions and benefits of living in Seimsfoss, Kvinnherad! Who knows? Maybe we’ll be hiking the fjords and mountains together soon. See you in Norway!