Vestre

Founded in Haugesund on the west coast of Norway with its wet, windy and salty climate, meant that their products had to withstand harsh Norwegian weather conditions. Fast forward over 70 years, durable furniture still characterises Vestre. The family-run company, headed by third generation Jan Christian Vestre who was only 25 when he took over in 2012, is now one of Scandinavia's leading manufacturers.

Sustainable success

Being based in a high-cost country like Norway means Vestre can’t compete on price but build their brand on unique and long-lasting products with Scandinavian design, quality materials and sustainable production. Vestre has always used design as a competitive tool and work with some of Norway’s top designers such as Kristine Five Melvær, Espen Voll, Johan Verde, Lars Tornøe and Atle Tveit. Also collaborating with architects and urban planners all over Europe, Vestre was asked by renowned architects Snøhetta in 2017 to provide furniture for the redesigned Times Square.

Environmentally friendly materials

Aiming to be the world’s most sustainable furniture company, Vestre is well on its way, actively using the UN Sustainable Development Goals to develop the company and its products. Vestre’s bench April was the first in the world to be awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, and another 150 products have since received the strict certification.

Also, the Vestre factories in Norway and Sweden operate on renewable energy, and the company has just bought Tesla’s electrical delivery trucks. Being from Norway is an advantage greatly Vestre appreciates with its easy access to environmentally friendly materials, such as sustainable forestry and the world's greenest steel and aluminium.

To pay something back

Even though manufacturing costs are still high, the long-term investment in design, sustainability and targeted export are paying off, and Vestre has managed to triple its turnover since 2012 delivering furniture all over Europe and to 15 states in the USA.

To pay something back, Vestre donates at least 10 per cent of its profits every year to sustainable projects worldwide.

Creating social spaces

Sustainability is not just about beautiful and outdoor furniture that will last forever, but also about creating social spaces where people can meet and connect despite backgrounds. These meeting places bring an essential element to urban development, in a time when more and more people are moving to the cities.

Driven by a desire to create better cities and a better future, Vestre wants to be a contrast to cheap solutions and hostile architecture, believing good design shouldn’t be available just for people with money but be democratic and brought to public places for everyone to enjoy.