MANHOLE COVERS NORWAY
Muhtasim Galib Inan
The main producer of manhole covers in Scandinavia is Ulefos Jernvaerk. It is also one of Europe's oldest businesses and is still a family concern. It was set up by royal decree of King Fredrick III on 8 August, 1657, which allowed the Cappelen family to begin operations. The family was involved in many different businesses over the years, including shipping, producing stoves, and casting manhole covers. Manhole covers now account for 70% of the family’s business.Now known as Ulefos NV AS, it produces gully tops and industrial castings in both Finland (Niemisen Valimo) and Norway (Ulefos Jernværk).
Another major foundry producing manhole covers is Furnes Hamjern Scandinavian Casting Companies AS of Stangevegen 111, 2321, Hamar, Norway. In some cases, it is a mixture of both, the frame (ramme) is made by Ulefos while the cover (lokk) is manufactured by Furnes. The manholes are not exactly of the same size, even when the shape is round. Some of the manhole covers have a square frame while some have grating on the surface for drainage.
This booklet is a compilation of the different mahole covers I came across while my stay in Norway for Master’s degree.
