The aim of the “Company of the Year” award is to recognise companies and other organisations whose activities have helped to develop or strengthen industry in the Trondheim region.

The jury, which consisted of the Mayor of Trondheim, the Nordea financial services group and the Mid-Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had this to say about Powel, this year’s winner of the award:

“Since its establishment in 1996 with 37 staff from SINTEF Energy Research, Powel has developed into today’s international concern with around 240 employees. The company has both developed and strengthened the industrial sector in Trondheim and thus meets the criteria for the Company of the Year award particularly well.

“In the course of ten years, Powel ASA has also taken the route from the academic environment of SINTEF/NTNU to the Oslo Stock Exchange, and through its excellent efforts to commercialise its technology it has won a strong position within its sector. The jury also wishes to call attention to the social involvement of managing director Jon Einar Værnes via his participation in BliLyst, Fagråd Energi, and other fora”.

On behalf of the management and staff of Powel, I would like to say that it is extremely gratifying to be honoured in this way. We really do appreciate it,” says Jon Einar Værnes, managing director of Powel ASA.

The “Company of the Year” award is sponsored by Nordea and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and has previously been made 22 times. The NOK 25,000 prize was handed over at the Chamber of Commerce’s regular Friday meeting. Powel has decided to donate the money to the Church City Mission.