Best in innovation

Published: 17.01.13

By Arne Frøkedal

Ølensvåg-based company, Omega AS, has been voted Rogaland's best company within the areas of research and innovation for 2012, and is now ready for the national finals.

With 250 politicians and business leaders present at the annual Sola Meeting, Omega was honored for its great success. Rogaland County Mayor, Janne Johnsen, had the honor of presenting Rogaland's Research and Innovation Award 2012 and praised the company from Vindafjord.

“In the mid 90s, Omega launched the concept that has developed into a success in a demanding, international market. The company’s turnover has grown from NOK 100 million in 2002, to more than NOK 1 billion in 2011. This is based on organic growth and an organization characterized by its commitment to its skilled employees,” said Mayor of Rogaland county, Janne Johnsen as she awarded the prize on behalf of the Rogaland Research and Innovation Fund.

Business development community

This is the eleventh time the prize has been awarded to a company that has contributed within innovation, skill development, business-focused research and regional, business development.

The award includes NOK 100 000, which, in the true spirit of innovation, will be given to the new business development community in Vindafjord. Almost one year ago, Omega AS started working on this project to increase value development in the local business community and to provide an improved basis for newly-established businesses in the district.

Along with Omega, Westcon, Berge Sag, Ølen Betong and the municipality of Vindafjord also have shares in the company which is now in the planning stages. Offices are being renovated in the Kiwi building in Ølensvåg, and will be ready for use in approximately one month.

“The businesses in Vindafjord have had a unique working relationship for many years. There is a will and desire that makes us want to push each other to be better at what we do. A business community can be what is needed so that more people dare to turn their own business ideas into a reality in the district,” says Sigmund Lunde, Omega's Founder and Chairman.

Thank you to the employees

CEO, Petter Aalvik, appreciates the award, suggesting it is inspiring.

“Omega keeps a low profile and an innovation award feels good. This is positive for the entire organization,” he says and points out that he especially appreciates the jury’s reasons for choosing Omega:

“This year’s winner is a strong exponent for innovation driven by employees. This results in products or services created via open and inclusive processes, based on employees’ ideas, knowledge and experience. This contributes to the company’s total innovation.

“And, it is all thanks to the employees,” says Aalvik, who accepted the award along with Lunde.

30 per cent growth

Omega AS delivers software and personnel to the oil and energy sector, and passed the magic NOK one billion mark in turnover in 2011. In 2012, Omega expanded its volume further. The company has personnel on assignment in 15 countries and reached a turnover of NOK 1.3 billion last year. Omega has 1 035 employees (five more than mentioned in the award speech! ), 150 of them were new to the company in 2012.

"Of course, we are very happy to have achieved approximately 30 per cent growth last year. I thought it would be difficult maintaining the same development level when we passed the billion mark,” says a content CEO.

How does 2013 look?

"Very good. The oil and gas industry is experiencing good price levels. The activity level is high, and most of our clients have many projects and a will to invest. We have been working on an extensive, technology project and have now launched a new-generation project system that we look forward to presenting to the market. I am fairly certain of steady growth in Norway. We also expect growth and positive developments in our consultant services internationally, especially in Australia , but also in Houston/USA and Singapore,” says Petter Aalvik.