Our history
Hamax AS is a world-leading manufacturer of bicycle seats, bicycle trailers, helmets and toboggans. For more than 60 years, Hamax has been developing innovative products for the safe transport of children.
Scroll nedover og utforsk historien
The story starts...
Plast & Form AS was established in a chicken coop in Fredrikstad, then as now, with a focus on innovation at a time when plastic was a new industrial material. The company started with rental production of plastic components for other companies, before establishing production of its own products in plastic.
Plast & Form AS was established in a chicken coop in Fredrikstad, then as now, with a focus on innovation at a time when plastic was a new industrial material. The company started with rental production of plastic components for other companies, before establishing production of its own products in plastic.
Snow Jet is the first plastic roof tray produced for sale.
The JAKKI cargo sled is launched with a simple construction and a pull cord. Soon the children's sled JAKKI will follow, one of the first sleds on the market, marking the company's entry into the sports industry.
The company celebrates 10 years and moves into a 3,000 m² factory on Kråkerøy outside Fredrikstad. In the same year, it is acquired by Møllergruppen.
In the 60s, more toboggans with new features were launched, and mini skis were introduced to get more children out skiing – a trend that lasted for decades. Additional equipment such as wheels on toboggans were also tried, but without much success.
This year, production exceeds 2.5 million toboggans. In the period in the early 70s, the focus is on building customer relationships and establishing the export market.
The company is investing in a completely new area, the Shot Ball, a plastic ball with holes in it that at the time helped revolutionize badminton. In the same year, Shot Golf is also launched, a new garden game for use in both summer and winter.
With ever-changing winter weather, it became important for the company to offer products for summer activities as well. As part of this effort, Hamax launched its first bicycle saddle, the Bike Rider.
Hamax also produced reflectors for a while, and Kevin Keegan became the face of the campaign.
Hamax passes 12 million toboggan boards produced, an impressive milestone. In addition, there was a focus on the Car Box roof box, which was only a short-term investment.
The company's logo is modernized with a positive reception in the market.
The next generation of bicycle seats was launched: the Discovery front and rear-mounted seats. As the first with the new safety standard, it was tested on 800 bicycle models. The seat could be operated with one hand, so the other was always free to hold the child. Discovery was also awarded the "Award for Design Excellence", putting Hamax on the map internationally.
A separate company is established in Germany, which turns out to be the right investment, as Germany develops into one of Hamax's most important markets.
The Kiss bicycle seat is launched and becomes a bestseller with over 2.2 million seats produced. One year later, Sleepy is introduced, which can be reclined in a reclining position with a simple flick of the wrist. Both seats are awarded the "Award for Design Excellence."
The Siesta and Smiley bike seats are launched with a new, hidden construction that preserves their solidity, unique design and exclusivity. Both are awarded the "Award for Design Excellence."
Tornado, an inflatable toboggan, was launched with a view to use also after boats, but the water project was shelved due to safety requirements. On snow, on the other hand, it turned out to be fantastic.
Production at Kråkerøy in Fredrikstad will be shut down, and HV Plast at Hønefoss will take over the entire machine park.
HTS Gruppen acquires Hamax AS.
HTS started with Hans Kristian Thorgersen who was born in Larvik in 1829, his son Ludvig became a saddler and started the company's adventures. Ludvig had a son, Hans Kristian Thorgersen, who first established himself with an upholstery business. In the 1920s, the family started with car interiors and made use of their knowledge from the saddle making trade.
In 1952, Hans Kristian Thorgersen was born. He still has an important role in the group, where he sits on several of the company's boards, and through his focus on innovation and quality, he has built a billion-kroner company owned by the family. In 1970, the business moved to Krødsherad, where the company's head office is still located. Today, Kristin Thorgersen, born in 1979, is the CEO. The HTS Group has grown large, and in addition to Hamax, Besafe, Barnashus, Packline, Loyds and Paxter are part of the group.
HTS started with Hans Kristian Thorgersen who was born in Larvik in 1829, his son Ludvig became a saddler and started the company's adventures. Ludvig had a son, Hans Kristian Thorgersen, who first established himself with an upholstery business. In the 1920s, the family started with car interiors and made use of their knowledge from the saddle making trade.
In 1952, Hans Kristian Thorgersen was born. He still has an important role in the group, where he sits on several of the company's boards, and through his focus on innovation and quality, he has built a billion-kroner company owned by the family. In 1970, the business moved to Krødsherad, where the company's head office is still located. Today, Kristin Thorgersen, born in 1979, is the CEO. The HTS Group has grown large, and in addition to Hamax, Besafe, Barnashus, Packline, Loyds and Paxter are part of the group.
The graphic expression, including the logo, was updated to a fresh and clearer profile.
Etto bike helmets became part of Hamax, but eventually the company chose to rebrand the helmets under the Hamax name. Nevertheless, the expertise and production remained based on the Etto solution.
Caress is launched as a seat with excellent design and quality. It is today the market leader in Germany and is considered a design icon with its unique and exciting design.
With poorer winters, toboggan sales are declining, and the company is investing more in summer products related to bicycles. The Outback, a multifunctional bike trailer, is launched and receives the acclaimed "Red Dot Product Design Award." At the same time, the Outback, with its robust quality, design, spacious size, versatility and ease of use, is quickly becoming a family favorite. The Outback has also won many consumer tests and been highly rated by users.
In 2018, the European consumer organization tests bicycle seats, and Caress wins the renowned test Stiftung Warentest. This leads to a sharp jump in sales in Germany.
Hamax launches the top models Breeze and Cocoon, which not only have a smart and neat design, but also all the features you could wish for in a bike trailer.
The dog stroller Pluto is launched and quickly becomes a success!
It is a high-quality, flexible bike trailer, with smart technical solutions and optimal comfort for the dog.
It is a high-quality, flexible bike trailer, with smart technical solutions and optimal comfort for the dog.
A new graphic profile is introduced, with a modern expression adapted to both digital surfaces and the company's focus on baby stores, both online and physically.
0000