Jotun Paints

Odd Gleditsch started to develop his talent for business when he opened a paint distributor's shop in 1920. It was a good time for the whaling industry, and Gleditsch soon worked his way into the business of supplier to the whaling fleets in Sandefjord, Tønsberg, and Larvik.

As sales to the whaling fleet increased, Gleditsch saw the pontential in manufacturing the paint himself. At Gimle, outside Sandefjord, there was an oil mill (Gimle Oljemølle A/S) which was close to bankrupcy - an oil mill which produced antifoulings and marine paints sold through the Gleditsch paint shop.

The group has 70 companies and 38 production facilities on all continents. Including the total network of legal companies, agents, branch offices and distributors Jotun is represented in more than 80 countries. Jotun's operations cover development, production, marketing and sales of various paint systems and products to protect and decorate surfaces in the residential, shipping and industrial markets. In 2010 the Jotun Group had a total sales income of NOK 13 452 million, and has today 7 800 employees.