Environmentally friendly machinery manufacturer with a view

RIVAL's new production facilities were officially opened on Thursday 2 October 2008 with a reception attended by up to 300 visitors.

By Steffen Walton, walton@cogni2.dk                                                             Film clip here

RIVAL has doubled its capacity. Following the official opening of its new production facilities on Thursday, the company is finally able to increase production and overcome the bottleneck problems caused by the lack of space. RIVAL's entire industrial production has been moved to new premises, while the existing facilities will be used for the machining of unique pieces – the type of good, old-fashioned craftsmanship on which the company was founded.

Two curious “men of the world” brief RIVAL's staff before sending their Managing Director flying. He was happy to participate in the stunt, however, and laughed heartily as he was flung from the top down through a wall of paper to mark the opening of the new premises.

Click on the image to see more great pictures from a memorable day...!

Instead of a traditional industrial building, RIVAL has chosen an architectural statement that respects not only the surroundings but the welfare of the staff who will be working there.
“The scenery here in Skanderborg is absolutely stunning, and it would really have been a shame for staff to see it only on their way to and from work. We therefore asked the architect to draw a building that would let in plenty of light and air, as well as the beautiful views. It’s a natural thing in other industries to think about staff welfare, and it should come naturally to us, too,” says Henrik Holvad, Managing Director.

The new 2,000 m2 production facilities offer a stunning view of Seahighland. The building itself was constructed of steel and brick, with large windows overlooking the water and the woods. Inside, noise has been reduced and the premises are light and let in lots of fresh air.

“Needless to say, our aim is also to recruit and retain staff who value a positive working environment and a good working climate. Good staff are in great demand, and with our corporate profile we have to recruit the best,” says Henrik Holvad and continues:

“The approach we have to our staff engenders a sense of wellbeing and an unusually high degree of commitment. We believe in the individual, and we believe in good leadership. We have implemented a self-managed team structure in order to enhance the working lives of our staff, and to ensure that we deliver what has been agreed, on time, and in accordance with our customers' wishes, thanks to a higher level of individual responsibility. It is highly motivating for employees to be a part of a smaller unit where decisions are made on the spot by equal, independent individuals,” explains Henrik Holvad with pride.

A gourmet BBQ, men of the world in RIVAL’s legendary self-propelled sofa, and everyone at RIVAL ready for a guided tour of the new production facilities.