From Dewsbury to Norway: Reconnecting Mount and Jotun
Engineering partnerships are built on more than machines. A winter visit to Jotun’s global headquarters in Sandefjord highlights the people, history and craftsmanship behind a long-standing relationship in the coatings industry, which we have only recently had the chance to sit down and properly write up.
Although the visit took place last winter, it felt like a worthwhile story to share, especially because it highlights the type of specialist filling work Mount Filling Systems continues to support.
In industries like ours, people usually notice the machines.
But rarely the people behind them.
In the closing weeks of the British winter I took a trip from Dewsbury to Norway which reminded me that engineering is, above all else, a human story.
I had the pleasure of visiting the global headquarters of Jotun A/S in Sandefjord, and the visit became a reminder that even in a highly technical industry, relationships are what truly keep everything moving.
Mount Filling Systems has worked with Jotun for many years. Our equipment operates in several of their factories around the world, supporting the production of paints and coatings used across shipping, infrastructure and building products. I would not be a surprise to state the Mount help pack hundreds of millions of litres of Jotun products every year.
Over time Jotun has come to regard Mount as one of a small group of trusted engineering partners whose machines support their global manufacturing operations.
After acquiring and rebuilding Mount, I felt it was important to do something simple but powerful — introduce ourselves and new Mount properly.
Emails and video calls are useful, but there is no substitute for meeting the engineers, buyers and technicians who actually work with our machines every day.
A First Visit to Norway
I had never been to Norway before, so this felt like the perfect opportunity.
Braving temperatures of around –6°C, I flew into Sandefjord Airport Torp, just outside the town.
From the moment I arrived I was struck by the warmth of the welcome. From the airport staff to the hotel team and the people I met at Jotun, everyone was incredibly friendly and supportive.
There was genuine interest in what we are doing as we rebuild Mount and continue supplying equipment to manufacturers around the world.
A Shared Engineering History
One of the most interesting parts of the trip was discovering how the history between the two companies continues to connect people.
My Director of Design and Engineering was part of the team that installed several Mount machines at Jotun factories around 15 years ago.
During my visit I met engineers who were there at the time and who are still working at the company today — many of them now leading maintenance and engineering teams.
That kind of continuity says a lot about a company’s culture.
A Global Leader in Coatings
Jotun occupies a major position in the global paints and coatings industry.
From marine coatings protecting ships and offshore structures, to decorative paints used in buildings around the world, the company supplies products used in some of the most demanding environments on earth.
While I cannot share the confidential details of what I saw inside their facilities, it was clear that Jotun has invested heavily in modern manufacturing technology and engineering capability.
What stood out most was the pride the engineers take in their work and the general positivity of the staff that I met.
A Cold Walk with a Remarkable View
While in Sandefjord I was given a local recommendation by my host: take a short walk up Mokollen Hill, one of the highest viewpoints overlooking the town.
On a snowy and icy winter afternoon the “short walk” turned out to be a little more adventurous than expected.
But the climb was worth it. At the top I was greeted with spectacular views across the town and the surrounding fjords.
Small Moments That Make a Trip Memorable
During my stay the hotel I was staying in happened to be celebrating its birthday, and guests were treated to a slice of cake.
It was a small gesture, but one that summed up the warmth and hospitality I experienced throughout the visit.
Jotun at a Glance
- Founded: 1926
- Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
- Employees: 10,000+ worldwide
- Production facilities: 39 factories globally
- Sales companies: Nearly 70 countries
- Global reach: Products supplied to more than 100 countries
- Annual revenue: ~NOK 34 billion (approx. US$3.6 billion)
Key sectors: Marine, protective, powder and decorative coatings
Engineering Is Ultimately About People
Industries like ours can often appear very technical from the outside — machines, automation systems and production lines.
But behind every machine are people.
Engineers who design it.
Technicians who install it.
Operators who rely on it every day.
At Mount Filling Systems, we are a people-focused engineering business. While we are always available through telephone, email and video calls, we also believe there is real value in meeting customers face-to-face whenever possible.
Visits like this help us understand each other better — and ultimately build better machines together.
Engineering may start with machines, but it succeeds because of people.