145+ years of Excellence
A journey of Dale Factory from 1879
The story of Dale Factory began in 1879 with the construction of a massive factory building in Dale, complete with a pretreatment facility, bleaching house, dyeing facility, and finishing plant. The wooden buildings were designed as wings for the cotton factory, with the bleaching house situated as a long structure between them. As the installation and construction progressed, a workforce of 250 men worked enthusiastically. On August 22, 1879, the turbines began their first rotations, and the first canvases were produced through transmission. The machine park consisted of 40 cotton carding machines, 10,000 warp and weft spindles, and 10 weaving looms. By the time Dale Factory commenced its manufacturing operations, the workforce had grown to over 160 men and women employed across the facilities.
This magazine is a collaboration between the knitwear company Dale of Norway, fabric manufacturer Daletec, and the real estate company Dale Fabrikker. It aims to commemorate the 140th anniversary since the first factory was established in Dale, laying the foundation for what would become the largest textile community in Norway.
Dale has long been a prominent name in the textile industry, and its legacy continues to resonate with companies today. The story of how an international textile giant emerged amidst the steep mountains is deeply ingrained in our identity and is still highly regarded by our clients and partners. The pursuit of high-quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology remains central to the values of the textile companies that have thrived—and continue to thrive—in Dale.
Life in and around the Dale factories is integral to Norway’s national industrial and social history. This magazine, though limited in scope, offers a glimpse into the early history of the factory, highlights key figures in the company’s later years, and explores the direction the company has taken in recent times.
