Entrepreneur Asbjørn Pedersen, 75 years old: – No rush to give me

On April 21st, our dear founder Asbjørn Pedersen reached a new level with his 75th birthday. This is of course celebrated with a set table and an extra good lunch here at the house. Anlegg og Marine Service , a celebration of both the man and the milestone he represents.

Even at an age when many have long since retired, Asbjørn can still be found in the company both during and outside of working hours. He is close, fully involved and just as committed as when he started. Anlegg og Marine Service in 1988.

– I still find it exciting and interesting, says Asbjørn with a smile. – It gives me a lot to follow what is happening, and as long as my health holds up, I see no reason to give up.

From Kvinnherad to Stavanger

Asbjørn (born in Skånevik) started his working career in Kvinnherad, and had a varied professional background before taking his first step into the maritime industry. With a certificate as a car mechanic and experience from power plants, smelters and workshops, he continued his career to Stavanger and the company Pay & Brinck (now Pon Power), where the work mainly consisted of covered work on construction machinery. Over time, there was increased demand in the marine sector, where Asbjørn gradually moved more and more to boats and oil platforms. His last time at PB was as a coordinator.

In 1985 he quit his job and became a co-owner of Horve Maskin Service, which a former colleague had started. Unfortunately, the company ended up in bankruptcy, and a decision was made:

- We bought the bankruptcy estate and started over under a new name, Anlegg og Marine Service "We knew what was needed and took the chance. We started with about 80% construction and 20% maritime, and gradually it became natural to focus more on the maritime side," says Asbjørn.

After a few years in operation, Asbjørn took over all the shares in the company.

Asbjørn working as a motor mechanic

Growth, challenges and experience

From a small workshop in Kvernevik, AMS grew steadily. In 2000, the business moved to Forus, before the final step was taken to Tananger in 2008 – where the main facility is located today. Along the way, there have been several ventures and acquisitions in Egersund, Kristiansand, Bergen and Hundvåg. Not everything has gone smoothly, but the lessons learned have been many:

From left: AMS Forus, AMS Tananger, AMS Ågotnes

– I learned that it's hard to drive if you're not there. You have to be where it's happening.

Asbjørn points to the unpredictability of the industry as one of the biggest challenges, but also as a driving force. It's about providing stability for employees, even when jobs and assignments fluctuate.

- The workload can periodically go up and down, and the most important thing is to be able to provide stable work for all employees.

Over the years, industry and commerce have developed in ever-new directions. It has been of great importance for AMS to have good suppliers and partners. Now the green shift is upon us, and AMS is well positioned to be an active and constructive contributor.

-It is exciting, educational and motivating to follow and contribute to the further development of AMS. Being able to offer the solutions and services that customers need in the future, such as fuel cells, ensures that the company will continue to be a leading player in our market segment.

Values and visions

For Asbjørn, it's not just about boats and engines. It's about people. Over the years, AMS has built a solid working environment with high job satisfaction and low sick leave. It's also an environment that focuses on the future, with apprentices, internal training and professional development.

- We accept apprentices and try to continue their expertise by letting the younger ones work closely with the experienced ones.

When we ask what has been most rewarding, he answers simply:
- That we have kept it going for almost 40 years, and with mostly positive results. And I am most proud that we have managed to give people a safe workplace for so many years.

From ConocoPhillips Supplier Recognition Award 2020.

Advice from an entrepreneur to the younger generation

For young people considering starting their own business, Asbjørn has clear advice:

– The first commandment must be to familiarize yourself with finances and keep order. Tidiness and good control over finances are absolutely essential. Be thorough, keep agreements and build trust. Order gives the customer a basis for trust.

And the way forward?

Although his age suggests that retirement could be an option, Asbjørn is in no hurry to retire.