View source for Kongsberg Gruppen

{{Short description|Norwegian industrial company}}
{{Infobox company
| name             = Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
| logo             = [[File:Kongsberg Gruppen logo.svg|150px]]
| type             = [[Allmennaksjeselskap]]
| traded_as        = {{EuronextOslo|KOG|NO0003043309}}
| ISIN             = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|NO0003043309}}
| industry         = [[Shipbuilding]], [[Defense industry|defense]], [[aerospace]], [[Offshore drilling|offshore]] [[oil and gas industry|oil and gas]] industries.
| foundation       = {{start date and age|1814|3|20}}
| location         = [[Kongsberg]], [[Norway]]
| area_served      = Global
| key_people       = Geir Håøy (CEO)
| products         = Ships, missiles, remote controlled weapon stations
| revenue          = {{profit}} {{NOK|27.4 billion|link=yes}} (2021)
| operating_income = {{profit}} {{NOK|2.86 billion}} (2021)
| net_income       = {{loss}}   {{NOK|2.16 billion}} (2021)
| assets           = {{profit}} {{NOK|39.3 billion}} (2021)
| equity           = {{profit}} {{NOK|13.6 billion}} (2021)
| num_employees    = 11,122 (2021) 
| parent           = 
| subsid           = {{unbulleted list|[[Kongsberg Maritime]]|[[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]]|Kongsberg Digital}}
| footnotes        = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/globalassets/corporate/investor-relations/annual-report/kog-arsrapport-2021-gb_final_240322.pdf |title=2021 Annual Report |access-date=2022-04-28 |date=2022-03-16 |publisher=Kongsberg Group}}</ref>
| homepage         = {{url|https://www.kongsberg.com}}
}}

'''Kongsberg Gruppen''' is a [[Norway|Norwegian]] multinational company, that supplies [[High tech|high-technology]] systems to customers in the [[merchant marine]], [[Defense industry|defence]], [[aerospace]], [[Offshore drilling|offshore]] [[oil and gas]] industries, and [[Renewable resource|renewable]] and [[Public utility|utilities]] industries.<ref>[http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/nhd/dok/regpubl/stmeld/2006-2007/Stmeld-nr-13-2006-2007-/8/2/3.html?id=441226/ St.meld. nr. 13 (2006–2007)  Et aktivt og langsiktig eierskap] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011054133/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/nhd/dok/regpubl/stmeld/2006-2007/Stmeld-nr-13-2006-2007-/8/2/3.html?id=441226%2F |date=2012-10-11 }}</ref>

In 2018, Kongsberg had revenues of NOK 14.381 billion, and 6,842 employees in more than 25 countries.<ref name=":0">[http://kongsberg.com/en/kog/investorrelations/reportsandpresentations/ Kongsberg Group Reports and Presentations]</ref> The company is headquartered in [[Kongsberg]].

It comprises three business areas:
* [[Kongsberg Maritime]] 
* [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] 
* Kongsberg Digital

Kongsberg is a continuation of Kongsberg Weapons Factory (Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk - KV) (1814–1987). After KV's restructuring in 1987 following the [[Toshiba–Kongsberg scandal]], defence activities continued as the company [[Norsk Forsvarsteknologi]] (NFT). In 1995 the company changed its name to Kongsberg Gruppen.

Kongsberg was listed on the [[Oslo Stock Exchange]] in 1993 and is a [[public company]]. [[Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries|The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries]] is the largest shareholder with a 50.001 percent interest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/nfd/kampanjer/statens-eierberetning2012/selskapsomtale/kongsberg-gruppen-asa.html?regj_oss=1&id=727270 |title=Kongsberg Gruppen ASA - regjeringen.no |access-date=2014-07-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221921/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/nfd/kampanjer/statens-eierberetning2012/selskapsomtale/kongsberg-gruppen-asa.html?regj_oss=1&id=727270 |archive-date=2014-07-14 }}</ref>

Markets outside of Norway pose a growing and increasingly important part of business and represented approximately 80% of revenue in 2015.

==History==
The company's origin and background dates back to the early 1600s.

The discovery of silver in the mountains around Kongsberg in 1624 meant that the city became an important mineral resource for the Danish Norwegian kingdom. When the [[Danish-Norwegian union]] was dissolved about 200 years later there was a need to build up a strong defence that would contribute to independence and security for [[Norway]].

There was a need for a domestic defence industry, and [[Kongsberg]] already had expertise after centuries of mining. On 20 March 1814<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.km.kongsberg.com/ks/web/nokbg0237.nsf/AllWeb/03E4EADBA358FC78C1256A55004648C0?OpenDocument|title=Kongsberg Maritime history -|website=www.km.kongsberg.com|language=en|access-date=2018-10-25}}</ref> [[Poul Steenstrup]] founded Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk.

===1813–1890: Origins===
[[File:M1889 Krag-Jörgensen - Danmark - 8x58mmR - Armémuseum.jpg|thumb|Danish M.1889 Carbine]]
1813 was an important year for Norway. The nation wrote its [[constitution]] and the weapons factory was one of the nation's first industrial factories.

[[Kongsberg Silver Mines]] experienced a [[recession]] and as a consequence Kongsberg suffered distress and poverty. There was a need to create new jobs. In addition Norway was marked by the desire for national independence, and the Weapons factory would make the newly established state self-supplied with weapons.

Kongsberg's mining traditions - established over several centuries - provided a good basis for building a knowledge-based business. Skilled mining engineers were now assigned to develop the new company.

The Weapons Factory quickly began producing rifles for the [[Norwegian Armed Forces]]. A number of models were developed and delivered throughout the 19th century. The major international breakthrough came in 1888 when director [[Ole Herman Krag|Ole Herman Johannes Krag]] and corps gunsmith [[Erik Jørgensen (gunsmith)|Erik Jørgensen]] showcased a new type of rifle.

===1890–1900: International breakthrough===
[[File:Kongsberg Vaabenfabrik (J David, 1899) - 2.jpg|thumb|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk, photographed by [[Jules David (photographer)|Jules David]] in 1899]]
[[File:Kongsberg Vaabenfabrik (J David, 1899) - 4.jpg|thumb|Personnel group photograph by Jules David, 1899]]
International breakthrough came with the [[Krag–Jørgensen#Krag-J.C3.B8rgensen rifle modified for belt feed|Krag–Jørgensen rifle]] in 1892.

The officer Ole Herman Johannes Krag and gunsmith Erik Jørgensen wanted to produce a new type of precision rifle, which was both easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture and which had revolutionary functionality. The rifle's mechanism proved to be something quite revolutionary in the arms industry.

The Krag–Jørgensen rifle was first adopted as a service rifle by the [[Danish Army]] in 1889. Three years later the rifle became a world-known concept when the [[United States Army|United States]] decided to equip their soldiers with the rifle. "The Krag" turned out to be one of the first major export contracts for the Norwegian industry. During a six-year period the U.S. alone produced well over half a million rifles on licence.

In 1894 the weapon was adopted as army rifle for the [[Norwegian Army]]. The weapon was in service until [[World War II]].

"The Krag" became Norway's first large-scale industrial export and helped to establish an important relationship with the U.S. military.

===1900–1945: Modernization===
[[File:M1889 Krag-Jörgensen - Danmark - 8x58mmR - Armémuseum.jpg|thumb|Danish M.1889 Carbine]]
The Krag–Jørgensen rifle dominated production at Kongsberg until the end of [[World War I]]. When the war was over there was a significant decline in military orders. The company therefore used its position and expertise from the defence industry to enter new markets and seek new business opportunities.

Production of civilian products such as civil weapons, tools, and parts for the [[shipping industry]] and [[whaling|whaling fleet]] began 1918. Other departments made [[bicycle components]], while the cannon department made shafts, connecting rods, forgings and [[whale gun]]s.

Kongsberg launched its first civil products in 1921. The products won gold medal at the [[World Exposition of 1900|World Exposition in Barcelona]] in 1929.

During [[World War II]] Kongsberg was under German control. Production, however, never came up to such numbers as the occupation forces wanted. This was partly due to access to raw materials, but also resistance among factory workers.no proof about the role of workers

===1945–1960: Industrial locomotive===
After the war, Kongsberg was designated as one of the major industrial builders in Norway. The company produced everyday necessities such as pots and pans, and contributed to the development of the [[defence industry|defence]] and [[maritime industry]].

The weapons factory was no longer under military command, and in 1953, the [[Norwegian Parliament]], adopted a large-scale modernization and expansion of the company. The aim was to build a national high-tech defence industry that met the needs of the [[Norwegian Armed Forces]] as well as those of [[NATO]].

The creation of the [[Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt]] ("Defence Research Establishment") (FFI) at [[Kjeller]] in 1947 was part of the same strategy.

This cooperation was from the 1950s and up till present given rise to a number of defence systems such as the [[Penguin (missile)|Penguin missile]], [[NASAMS 2|NASAMS 2 air defence system]], HUGIN AUV and [[Naval Strike Missile]].

After an agreement with [[Volvo]] in 1957, the production of [[automobile parts]] also became a considerable business for KONGSBERG. At first the company produced [[drive shaft]]s, and then other components for heavy trucks, [[bus]]es, [[tractor]]s and [[agricultural machinery]]. The division was later reorganized into the company [[Kongsberg Automotive]].

===1960–1987: Innovative breakthrough===
Having had a national focus in the [[post-war period]], KONGSBERG again directed its attention and expertise towards the international market. The years from 1960 to the end of the 80s were a time of innovation, development and rapid growth for Kongsberg.

KONGSBERG's focus on the [[maritime industry]] began in the early 1970s and coincided with the discovery of oil in the [[North Sea]]. Companies that would later become part of Kongsberg Gruppen, such as [[Simrad Optronics|Simrad]] and [[Norcontrol]], however, had already provided sonar systems and equipment for fishing and merchant marine for decades.

The 1970s also became the decade when KONGSBERG positioned itself towards the petroleum sector. [[Dynamic positioning]] (DP) and subsea installations were revolutionary technology, which gave KONGSBERG a technological edge. KONGSBERG was about to get a position as a global technology leader.

===1960–1987: International breakthroughs===
* The production of [[gas turbines]] in 1969
* [[Submarine|Submarine systems]] in 1969-1970
* [[Subsea (technology)|Subsea]] and [[dynamic positioning]] (DP) in the early 1970s
* Pioneering [[missile]] technology and the Penguin missiles in 1972

The rapid international growth resulted in both new opportunities and challenges. The new focus on establishing a civilian product portfolio changed the shape of the company. In 1981 civil divisions accounted for 70% of business.<ref>http://www.kongsberg.com/~/media/KOG/Files/Press/2014-01-22%20Brochure.ashx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326073935/http://www.kongsberg.com/~/media/KOG/Files/Press/2014-01-22%20Brochure.ashx |date=2014-03-26 }} Chapter V</ref>

Companies were acquired and the number of employees increased sharply. An international network of offices and factories began to take shape. But the business advancement and progress coincided with national and international unrest, which had a serious impact on the company, as an outcome of so-called [[Toshiba-Kongsberg scandal]], after illegal export to the Soviet Union machine tools banned by [[Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls|Cocom]]. The outcome was a need to restructure the entire company.

===1987–1993: Reappearance===
In 1987, the company was part of the [[Toshiba-Kongsberg scandal]], which involved a subsidiary of [[Toshiba]] and the Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk. The two provided the [[Soviet Union]] with technology (Toshiba milling machines and Kongsberg computer numerical controls) that could be used to produce quiet [[submarine]] [[propeller]]s, in violation of the [[CoCom]] agreement.  The US always relied on the fact that the Soviets had noisy boats. Providing the Soviet Union with technology that could make their subs harder to find and track was perceived as a significant threat to the  security of the United States.

1987 was a turning point in the history of Kongsberg. The company was divided into divisions that manufactured [[automobile parts]], [[aircraft parts]], [[gas turbines]], oil installations, and marine equipment and defence equipment. Innovation was high, but not the profitability. The company had taken on too large and complex development tasks.

The state, which owned all the shares, would not inject big money to keep the whole business, so the company was split up. The civil division was sold out, while the defence division continued under the name Norwegian Defence Technology (NFT) from 19 June 1987 to 1995.

The newly formed company had for a short period of time a renewed focus on its core defence business. This helped the company regain financial stability. Then Kongsberg again turned its focus towards civil and maritime sectors.

Kongsberg also entered new markets. In 1990 the company launched its own [[aerospace]] division.

The restructuring process that began in 1987 culminated in 1993 when it was decided that Kongsberg should be partially privatized and listed on the [[Oslo Stock Exchange]]. This gave Kongsberg greater independence and the opportunity to cooperate with private business investors. It helped facilitate many positive changes, such as the establishment of [[Kongsberg Maritime]] as a separate business unit. The decision proved to be a crucial building block in the creation of Kongsberg as a modern company.

===1993–2015: International growth===
In 1993, the company Norwegian Defence Technology (NFT) became publicly listed and partially privatized. Two years later, in 1995, the company took the name Kongsberg Gruppen and the current logo was established.

Then followed a long series of acquisitions. This included buying back the maritime division.

The development of the prototype of HUGIN which was demonstrated for Statoil in 1996, later further developed to MUNIN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tu.no/innsikt/offshore/2006/12/08/selvgaende-undervannsubater|title=Selvgående undervannsubåter|date=8 December 2006}}</ref> REMUS is another [[Autonomous underwater vehicle|Autonomous Underwater Vehicle]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tu.no/industri/2014/01/07/norsk-auv-kan-endre-bransjen|title = Norsk AUV kan endre bransjen|date = 7 January 2014}}</ref> produced at Hydroid, a fully owned subsidiary of Kongsberg.

In 1997, Kongsberg gathered its operations in the subsidiaries [[Kongsberg Maritime]] and [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]].

The development of the weapons station [[Protector (RWS)|Protector RWS]] from 1997.

1998: the Air Defence System [[NASAMS 2|Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System]] (NASAMS) was pronounced operational.

In 2008, parts of the defence business spun off as a separate business area as "Kongsberg Protech Systems". Other defence activities continued under the name Kongsberg Defence Systems.

The co-development of Well Advisor<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.findingpetroleum.com/n/BP_asks_Kongsberg_to_build_well_advisor_system/9246ae2a.aspx|title = Finding Petroleum - BP asks Kongsberg to build well advisor system}}</ref> together with [[BP]]

Also in 2008, parts of Kongsberg Maritime, which had worked with simulation technology in oil and gas, were reorganized under new management. The result was [[Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies]] that was established as a separate business area. However, due to challenging market conditions in the oil and gas industry this area was consolidated into Kongsberg Maritime and the newly established business area Kongsberg Digital in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kongsberg Digital fully operational as of July 1st - KONGSBERG - Protecting People and Planet |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/newsandmedia/news-archive/2016/kongsberg-digital-fully-operational-as-of-july-1st/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}</ref>

By the end of 2009 Kongsberg was divided into four separate divisions/business areas.

The development of the [[Naval Strike Missile]] and the [[Joint Strike Missile]].

In 2014, Kongsberg celebrated its 200th anniversary.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20140714182945/http://200.kongsberg.com/story/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>

As of October 2017 the business area Kongsberg Protech Systems was merged into Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

==Business==
[[File:Kongsberg Wappen Entrance.jpg|right|thumb|Kongsberg Gruppen entrance and conference building]]
[[File:Kongsberg Wappen Shield.jpg|right|thumb|Kongsberg Gruppen Teknologipark members overview]]
[[File:Kongsberg Fighterjet Model.jpg|right|thumb|Kongsberg Gruppen Teknologipark Fighterjet model]]

The Kongsberg Group has three  business areas: Kongsberg Maritime, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Digital.
* [[Kongsberg Maritime]] delivers products and systems for positioning, navigation and automation to [[merchant vessel]]s and offshore installations, as well as products and systems for [[seabed]] surveying and monitoring.
* [[Kongsberg Defence Systems|Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] focuses on command and control systems, weapons control systems, communication systems, [[missiles]], advanced [[Composite material|composites]] and surveillance.
* Kongsberg Digital provides technology, products and services relating to monitoring, integration, analysis, simulation, quality assurance and governance for the oil and gas industry, maritime simulation and the renewables and utilities industry.

===Defence===
[[File:M240 CROWS.jpg|right|thumb|[[M240|M240 machine gun]] mounted in the Common Remotely Operated Weapon System.]]

Kongsberg has a long history of collaborating with national and international defence industries.

The business area [[Kongsberg Defence Systems|Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]] is a provider of command and control systems, weapons control, communications, missiles, advanced composites and surveillance.

A major milestone for the Group's defence area came in 2007 when the Group won a contract worth eight billion kroner for the delivery of [[CROWS|CROWS II]] – a type of [[Protector (RWS)|Protector Remote Weapon Stations]] (RWS) - to the [[U.S. military]].<ref name=":0" />

The RWS allows the operator to control the weapon inside the vehicle, providing increased protection and reduced risk of both military personnel and civilians. As of today{{when|date=November 2020}}, the Protector RWS claims to be the world's leading provider of remote weapon stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/ |title=PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station - Kongsberg Gruppen |access-date=2013-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011421/http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kps/products/remoteweaponstation/ |archive-date=2013-10-05 }}</ref> Kongsberg has since delivered more than 17,000 weapons systems<ref name="dn.no">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dn.no/nyheter/2014/01/24/milliardkontrakt-pa-luftvernsystem-til-kongsberg|title=Milliardkontrakt på luftvernsystem til Kongsberg|date=24 January 2014}}</ref> to 16 countries worldwide.

Kongsberg's largest single contract ever was signed in January 2014 with [[Oman]] on the air defence system [[NASAMS 2|NASAMS]].<ref name="dn.no"/>

In September 2019, Kongsberg unveiled the [[Vanguard-class multirole warship]], designed in collaboration with [[Salt Ships]].

====Notable defence area products====
* [[Penguin (missile)|Penguin]]
* [[Naval Strike Missile]] (NSM)
* [[Joint Strike Missile]] (JSM)
* [[NASAMS 2]]
* [[Protector (RWS)|Protector Remote Weapon Station]] (RWS) - with [[Thales Group|Thales]]
* [[CROWS]] II – variant of Protector system
* [[Vanguard-class multirole warship]]
* [[SuperSonic Strike Missile]] (3SM)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/11/norway-and-germany-to-develop-new-3sm-supersonic-strike-missile/ |title=Norway And Germany To Develop New 3SM Supersonic Strike Missile |access-date=2023-11-24 |date=2023-11-24 |publisher=Naval News}}</ref>

===Space===
Kongsberg has for several years increased its activities in space and surveillance. KONGSBERG's space activities are organized under [[Kongsberg Defence Systems]].

In 1990, Kongsberg launched its own [[aerospace]] business unit. Through its subsidiaries [[Kongsberg Satellite Services]] (KSAT) and [[Kongsberg Spacetec]] in [[Tromsø]] the company is now a leader in services related to ground stations and satellites. Kongsberg currently operates a worldwide network of ground stations including on [[Svalbard]] and [[Antarctica]], used by e.g. [[NASA]] and the [[ESA|European Space Agency]] (ESA). The acquisition of Horten-based Norspace AS 2011 consolidated space operations in Norway and contributed to KONGSBERG's commercial position within international aerospace and surveillance was strengthened.

Kongsberg's space division is Norway's largest supplier of equipment and services to the [[ESADE|European Space Agency]] (ESA).

Kongsberg's Space & Surveillance division delivers a broad spectrum of equipment; systems and services related to space and maritime surveillance customers in more than 40 countries. The portfolio includes equipment and components for the European heavy-lift launcher [[Ariane 5]], communication satellites, earth observation satellites and scientific space probes. The division is a supplier of satellite ground stations for downloading and processing satellite data, as well as a supplier of [[satellite]] services from ground stations at [[Svalbard]] in the [[Arctic]], the [[Antarctic]] and numerous other locations.

The division is also a provider of maritime domain awareness systems and control centers for maritime surveillance, where integration of terrestrial and satellite data constitutes an important component.

Kongsberg's Space & Surveillance division is located in [[Kongsberg]], [[Kjeller]], [[Horten]] and [[Tromsø]].

===Maritime===
Kongsberg's focus on maritime industries began in the early 1970s and coincided with the discovery of oil in the [[North Sea]]. This was also the decade in which Kongsberg positioned itself in the petroleum sector. [[Dynamic positioning]] (DP) and underwater installations were two areas that would prove to be crucial for the company.

On 17 May 1977 Kongsberg's first DP-system was put into operation on board the diving support vessel [[Seaway Eagle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.km.kongsberg.com/ks/web/nokbg0238.nsf/AllWeb/33602D7C2A26FB6FC1257CA0004F9192?OpenDocument |title=KONGSBERG celebrates its 200th year anniversary - Kongsberg Maritime |website=www.km.kongsberg.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427131445/http://www.km.kongsberg.com/ks/web/nokbg0238.nsf/AllWeb/33602D7C2A26FB6FC1257CA0004F9192?OpenDocument |archive-date=2014-04-27}}</ref> In 1983, KONGSBERG introduced the first diver-free underwater system for the [[Gullfaks oil field|Gullfaks field]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://200.kongsberg.com/timeline/innovative-breakthroughs/Discovery-of-Oil |title=KONGSBERG - World Class JourneyDiscovery-of-Oil |access-date=2014-07-04 |archive-date=2014-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714203704/http://200.kongsberg.com/timeline/innovative-breakthroughs/Discovery-of-Oil |url-status=dead }}</ref> It went on to operate for 20 years.

====Kongsberg Maritime====
[[Kongsberg Maritime]] is Kongsberg's largest business area. It is divided in three main areas:
* Offshore
* Subsea & Fishery 
* Merchant Marine

Kongsberg Maritime delivers products and systems for positioning, navigation and automation to [[merchant vessel]]s, Subsea and offshore installations, as well as products and systems for seabed surveying and monitoring. The company is a world leader in [[dynamic positioning]] (DP), automation and monitoring systems, process automation, [[satellite navigation]] and hydro-acoustics

Kongsberg Maritime's activities have in recent years grown steadily. The company's supplies to the [[subsea]], [[Offshore drilling|offshore]] and merchant fleet amounted in 2013 to over half of the Kongsberg Group's total revenue.

In 2019, the company unveiled its proposed [[Vanguard-class multirole warship]], based loosely on commercial support ships.

====Notable Kongsberg Maritime products====
* [[Dynamic positioning]] 
* Subsea installations
* Kongsberg Maritime Simulation 
* HUGIN 
* Seaglider
* [[REMUS (AUV)|REMUS]]
* MUNIN

The business area is headquartered in Kongsberg, has greater activity in the maritime cluster in [[Horten]], in addition to offices worldwide.

===Digital===
Kongsberg Digital was established in 2016 to increase to group's focus and efforts on industrial digitalization. It was fully operational from 1 July 2016. The business area consists of simulation from the previous business area of Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies and simulation from [[Kongsberg Maritime]]. In addition the business area has established positions within the renewable and utilities area. The business area is headquartered in [[Asker]], with offices throughout [[Norway]] and the world.

====Notable Kongsberg Digital products====
* EmPower
* K-Sim
* K-Spice
* Kognifai
* LedaFlow
* Rig Manager
* SiteCom
* Kognitwin

==Corporate management==
===Kongsberg's executives===
* [[Poul Steenstrup]], ''Manager 1814–1824 ''
* Captain Fredrik Meyn, ''Manager/Vice President 1824–1842''
* Staff Captain Peder Christian Holst, ''Vice President 1842–1854''
* Captain Jens Landmark, ''Vice President 1854–1880 (constituted 1854–1855)''
* Captain [[Ole Herman Johannes Krag]], ''Vice President 1880–1895''
* Captain Jacob Maximillian Gran Paaske, ''Vice President 1895–1912''
* Captain Johan Jørgen Schwartz, ''Vice President 1912–1926''
* Captain Haakon Finne, ''Vice President 1926–1940''
* Department engineer Thomas Mørk, ''Temporary Manager 1940–1945''
* Captain Haakon Finne, ''1945–1946 ''
* Major Alstad, ''acting Vice President 1945–1948''
* Dr. scient. Leif Lyche, ''Vice President 1948–1956''
* Major [[Bjarne Hurlen]], ''Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1956–1975''
* Arthur J. Aasland, ''1975-1978''
* Rolf Qvenild, ''Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1978–1987''
* Tor Espedal, ''1987''
* Jens Charles Width, ''1987–1988''
* Jan T Jørgensen, ''Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1987–1999 ''
* Jan Erik Korssjøen, ''Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1999–2008 ''
* [[Walter Qvam]], ''Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 2008–2016''
* Geir Håøy, ''Chief'' ''Executive Officer (CEO) 2016–''

==Results==
{| class="wikitable"
!
! 2018 !! 2017 !! 2016 !! 2015 !! 2014 !! 2013 !! 2012 !! 2011 !! 2010 !! 2009
|-
|'''Revenues'''<ref name=":0" />
|14,381
|14,490
|15,845
|17,032
|16,603
|16,323
|15,652
|15,128
|15,497
|13,816
|-
|'''Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)'''<ref name=":0" />
|1,394
|1,279
|1,217
|1,784
|2,060
|2,142
|2,294
|2,385
|2,485
|1,619
|-
|'''Earnings before taxes (EBT)'''<ref name=":0" />
|844
|654
|729
|944
|1,285
|1,644
|1,809
|1,991
|2,097
|1,169
|}
Figures are in billions.

==Corruption charges==
In 2014 the company and [[Kongsberg Defence Systems]]<ref name=NoVaretekt>{{cite news|title=Neppe varetekt i korrupsjon-saken på Kongsberg|url=http://www.dn.no/forsiden/borsMarked/article2773595.ece}}</ref> were charged by Norway, for corruption related to deliveries (worth around Norwegian kroner 1.5 billion<ref name=DNromania>[http://www.dn.no/forsiden/borsMarked/article2772343.ece Kongsberg Gruppen siktet for korrupsjon]</ref>) of communication equipment to Romania during 1999–2008.<ref name="NRKromania">[http://www.nrk.no/buskerud/kongsberg-gruppen-siktet-1.11568376 Kongsberg Gruppen siktet for korrupsjon]</ref><ref>[https://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140225-705644.html Kongsberg Gruppen Charged with Corruption on Romania Deliveries]</ref> The alleged corruption supposedly occurred in [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]], according to [[Aftenposten]].<ref name=SpaceTillitsvalgte>{{cite news|title=Krever at hun fjerner Jebsen|newspaper=[[Aftenposten]]|date=2014-02-28|author=Eirik Winsnes|author2=Roar Østgårdhjelten|quote=Tillitsvalgte for de ansatte i [[Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace]], som er selskapet hvor korrupsjonen skal ha funnet sted, har tillit til ledelsen og styrets håndtering av saken.}}</ref>

In spring 2012 "various signals" indicated corrupt practices, and within a short time, investigators from outside the company were put to task.<ref name=Paradise>[http://www.dn.no/forsiden/naringsliv/article2772541.ece Alle spor stoppet i skatteparadis]</ref> In autumn of 2013 the company discontinued a year-long investigation by [[PricewaterhouseCoopers]]—without giving the investigators' report to the police.<ref name="Paradise" /><ref name=Asker>[http://e24.no/naeringsliv/kongsberg-gruppen-kjente-til-korrupsjonsrykter/22784026 Undersøkte korrupsjonsrykter - spor stoppet i skatteparadis]</ref><ref>[http://www.nrk.no/buskerud/visste-om-korrupsjonen-1.11569131 Visste om korrupsjonen]</ref> The investigation found that funds had been transferred to [[tax haven]]s.<ref name=Paradise/>

On 25 February 2014 [[Økokrim]] searched company premises in Kongsberg and [[Asker]].<ref name="DNromania" /><ref name=NRKromania/><ref name="Asker" /> On the same day one employee was arrested and charged<ref>[http://direkte.e24.no/studio/kongsberg-gruppen-siktet-for-korrupsjon E24: Kongsberg Gruppen siktet for korrupsjon]</ref> (and released two days later). The leaders of the company were summoned for a meeting with [[Monica Mæland|then Minister of Trade and Industry]].<ref>[http://e24.no/lov-og-rett/kongsberg-gruppen-maa-moete-i-naeringsdepartementet/22784214 Kongsberg Gruppen kalt inn på teppet]</ref> On 26 February 2014 the meeting was held, attended by [[Finn Jebsen|then chairman]] and [[Walter Qvam|then CEO]].<ref name=GovInterest>[http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/nfd/pressesenter/pressemeldinger/2014/mote-med-kongsberg-gruppen.html?id=751854 Møte med Kongsberg Gruppen]</ref> The [[board meeting]] later that day, was joined by the minister via phone.<ref name=Unread/>

On 27 February 2014 media said that then chairman had not read the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers about their investigation.<ref name=Unread>{{cite news|title=Jebsen leste aldri granskningsrapporten|trans-title=Jebsen never read the review report|url=http://www.dn.no/forsiden/naringsliv/article2773139.ece|url-status=dead|language=no|access-date=2014-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301212222/http://www.dn.no/forsiden/naringsliv/article2773139.ece|archive-date=2014-03-01}}</ref>

A 28 February 2014 [[NRK]] article said that the transaction with Romania was connected with [[export guarantee]]s worth Norwegian kroner 669 million—from [[Guarantee Institute for Export Credits]] (GIEK).<ref name=Guarantees>[http://www.nrk.no/norge/kongsberg-fikk-statlige-garantier-1.11572696 Kongsberg fikk statlige garantier]</ref> Furthermore, "while we [NRK] were at the [[National Archives of Norway|National Archives]] to find the documents, representatives from [[Norwegian Guarantee Institute for Export Credits|GIEK]] came to get the folders, supposedly because Økokrim has requested delivery of the documents—from [[Norwegian Guarantee Institute for Export Credits|GIEK]]".<ref name="Guarantees" /> (The folders contained "three of the contracts" [with Romania].<ref name=Guarantees/>) The contracts with GIEK stipulate that bribes and other corruption are in violation of the contracts.<ref name="Guarantees" />

Reactions to the investigation include professor [[Peter Gottschalk]] saying that "It is obvious that the company should have contacted the police and not discontinued the case. When financial crime is suspected, the police should be notified. I think that the reason they did not do that, was that they did not want publicity".<ref name=Gottschalk>[http://www.dagbladet.no/2014/02/26/nyheter/samfunn/innenriks/okonomisk_kriminalitet/kongsberg_gruppen/32047837/ - De burde gått til politiet, ikke lagt bort saken]</ref> A 28 February 2014 [[Dagens Næringsliv]] article said that "The question for the company's largest owner thru minister of trade [[Monica Mæland]] ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])—without regard to what [[Økokrim]] uncovers in its investigation—ought to be whether the government's companies are best served by having committee members that are that irresolute".<ref name=Perplexed>[http://www.dn.no/forsiden/kommentarer/article2773819.ece Lukkede øyne]</ref> A 5 March 2014 [[Aftenposten]] editorial said that "The most important question is another one: Why do such cases appear again and again, despite tightened regulations and attitude campaigns? - Is it time to move focus to the manner in which co-workers are rewarded?"<ref name="Lønnsom">{{cite news|title=Når korrupsjonen er lønnsom|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kommentarer/Nar-korrupsjon-er-lonnsom-7490882.html#.UxjcP4VN-xp|newspaper=Aftenposten|date=2014-03-05|author=Ola Storeng}}</ref> An 18 March ''Dagens Næringsliv'' editorial said that "The board of directors of Kongsberg Gruppen permitted the [corporation's] leadership to put out of sight—the fact finding report regarding possible corruption—without bothering the leadership with bothersome questions. - [[Monica Mæland|The minister of trade]] must evaluate if this is in line with the zero tolerance, that she is trying to 'make more clear'."<ref>[http://www.dn.no/forsiden/kommentarer/article2783571.ece Inn på teppet]</ref>

In August 2016 the case against KONSGBERG was dropped by Økokrim, thus the company no longer being under suspicion or investigation for corruption. Økokrim decided to prosecute a former employee of the company with charges of fraud.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-16 |title=Økokrim dropper saken mot Kongsberg – men tiltaler tidligere salgssjef |url=https://e24.no/i/xRB1wl |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=e24.no |language=nb}}</ref>

==Cultural sponsoring and controversy==
The Kongsberg Group is a main sponsors of the [[Kongsberg Jazz Festival]].
In 2018 Andreas Røysum started an online petition on iPetitions demanding the festival organizers to end their cooperation with the Kongsberg Group stating the sponsoring being incompatible with the spirit of the festival.

==See also==
*[[Kongsberg Mesotech]]
*[[Kongsberg Colt]]
*[[List of oldest companies]]
*[[M1 Abrams#Tank Urban Survival Kit|M1 Abrams TUSK Kit]] (M1 Abrams tank with ''Kongsberg Gruppen'' remote-control MG turret)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kongsberg Gruppen}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kongsberg Gruppen| ]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1814]]
[[Category:Holding companies of Norway]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies of Norway]]
[[Category:Defence companies of Norway]]
[[Category:Formerly government-owned companies of Norway]]
[[Category:Companies based in Buskerud]]
[[Category:Kongsberg]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Norwegian brands]]
[[Category:Norwegian companies established in 1814]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1814]]