Achieve success through better sleep

A high-tech robotic production line ensures that foam, springs and other components are positioned correctly, emerging at the other end as a mattress. The first foam mattress was made fifty years ago, and Wonderland now produces more than 90,000 mattresses a year at its factory in Åndalsnes.

- Our robotic production line gives us the capacity to produce two to three times as many mattresses if market demand increases. We expect our growth to come from exports, with the Nordic region and parts of the EU as our priorities, says Lars Stenerud, CEO of Wonderland.

The bed manufacturer has navigated five decades of changing ownership, challenging markets and fierce competition. Wonderland has performed well and is now ready to grow further. The company already exports to the Nordic region and aims to increase its exports to Europe. By taking part in our Global Gateways export development programme, Wonderland receives close support throughout the export process. We provide expertise, advisory and networks to help the company access new markets faster.

Assembling the soft components is a demanding task for fast-moving robotic arms. The robotic production line, designed to make operations more efficient and improve product quality, was made possible through loans and grants from us, as well as a loan from DNB.

- 'We provided funding for this investment for several reasons. Wonderland is delivering strong growth and financial performance, is an important employer that supports many full-time jobs, and has skilled owners and management,' says financing adviser Magne Aarsnes at our Møre og Romsdal office.

He emphasises how important it is to have a supportive bank on board. The bank has provided flexible working capital financing through constructive dialogue with us. Stenerud explains why this matters:

'Any company looking to make technological advances or expand its market needs sound, secure financing. With investment grants and loans, we have been able to make important investments in IT infrastructure, automated production and essential building upgrades,' he says.

Sustainability is at the heart of Wonderland, and its products are designed to be good for both you and the environment. Washable fabrics, reversible mattresses, adjustable zones and replaceable bed components all help extend the bed's lifespan. The company uses sustainable materials and works with local suppliers to keep production as local and efficient as possible.

'We are now halfway through a major research project that is building the knowledge base for future investments in people, products, production and markets. The project is co-funded by the Research Council of Norway and involves NTNU and SINTEF, as well as the entire value chain – from raw materials to retail chains, and through environmental companies to new raw materials. Turning this knowledge into products and value creation will provide the basis for new applications to us,' says Stenerud.