The Norwegian trade union and Ratos AB, private equity owners in Stockholm, Sweden, approved the transfer of wood stove production to Jøtul’s North American headquarters. All wood and gas stoves, inserts and fireplaces sold in the North American market will be manufactured in Gorham, Maine. These moves will be phased in over the next several months in order to absorb nine different wood-burning models currently built in Norway. This development will double the current production of the Gorham facility.

“Doubling our manufacturing capabilities and hiring several new employees over the next six months will be extremely challenging, but it’s a challenge we gladly accept,” said Bret Watson, president and CEO of Jøtul North America.

 “Having designed and manufactured all our gas products as well as many of the current wood products over the last 15+ years, this is a logical progression for us. Having more control over quality, better on-time delivery, and locating assembly closer to engineering can only be positive news for our customer base.”

Jøtul North America currently imports approximately 9,000 wood stoves from their parent company in Fredrikstad, Norway, to be sold throughout North America. Jøtul AS will continue to produce the cast-iron parts and flat pack them to Jøtul NA where they will be assembled.

Jøtul North America employs approximately 75 people and sells approximately 17,000 wood and gas stoves, inserts and fireplaces throughout North America annually. 

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