Ove Karlsen
Title: Production Manager, Åheim Production Unit, Norway
Education: Chemical Engineer
At Betker: Since the Åheim operations became part of Betker in 2025
Free time: Family gatherings, mountain hiking, travelling around Norway, music, and outdoor life.

When you speak with Ove Karlsen, one thing becomes clear very quickly: people matter to him. Whether he is talking about his team, customers, neighbours, or his large family, the same values come through again and again. Responsibility, trust, teamwork, and taking care of others.

At Betker’s Åheim production unit in Norway, Ove works as a Production Manager and has decades of experience in refractory production behind him. His calm and practical approach, combined with deep technical expertise, has helped guide the Åheim team through one of the biggest transitions in the unit’s history.

“I like to work together with people. I could never sit alone in an office all day. I need to see people, talk to people, and solve problems together with the team,” Ove says.

More Than Forty Years in Refractories

Ove graduated as a chemical engineer in 1985 and started his career in the refractory industry in the very same year as an R&D engineer in the laboratory.

Only a few years later, in 1989, he was given the opportunity to move into the role of Production Manager for refractory operations in Åheim. He has remained in the same production environment ever since, building extensive experience in both refractory materials and production management.

“After years of experience, you begin to understand a broader perspective. But you also need to continue developing yourself all the time,” Ove reflects.

Over the decades, he has worked closely with production, quality, safety, customers, and process development. For Ove, quality and safety have always been non-negotiable.

A New Chapter with Betker

When the Åheim refractory operations became part of Betker, everyday life changed quickly. The transition period was intense, and suddenly many responsibilities that had previously been handled by a larger organisation became part of the local team’s work.

“The first months were intensive. We suddenly had to stand on our own feet and make sure everything continued running without interruptions for our customers.”

At the same time, Ove says the transition also brought positive changes. The organisation became smaller, communication became more direct, and decisions could be made faster.

“Betker works in a much simpler and smoother way. Things are easier to manage, but the standards are still high.”

Today, Ove’s role includes production planning, scheduling, purchasing, raw material coordination, customer-related matters, authority reporting, and people management. The variety of tasks has increased significantly.

Still, he enjoys broader responsibility and closer cooperation with colleagues across Betker.

Working Together as One

For Ove, the best part of the job is not titles or processes. It is teamwork.

“If you solve problems together and achieve your goals as a team, it gives a very good feeling.”

He describes Betker as a workplace where people are trusted and listened to.

“We feel that we are partners. People trust us, involve us, and listen to our ideas.”

According to Ove, trust also creates opportunities for growth and development.

“It is not just about being told what to do. We are involved in developing both ourselves and the business.”

Customer satisfaction is another thing Ove speaks about with genuine pride. The Åheim team wants customers to feel supported in every part of the process, from material quality to logistics and deliveries.

“We want customers to be satisfied not only with the material itself, but also with the whole experience.”

The Right Mindset Matters

After more than forty years in the industry, Ove has a clear view of what makes a good colleague and team member.

“You should be open-minded, willing to learn, and willing to contribute.”

Technical expertise matters, but attitude matters just as much.

“You need positive people who fit into the team and want to solve problems together.”

For anyone considering a career at Betker, Ove encourages people to stay curious and flexible.

“Be prepared to do a little bit more than expected. If you have the right attitude and want to contribute, you can achieve a lot.”

Family, Nature, and Rock’n’Roll

Ove was born in 1961 and recently celebrated his 65th birthday. Family plays a central role in his life. Together with his wife, he has four daughters, four sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren.

“We are nineteen people altogether in the close family now, so there is always something happening,” Ove laughs.

Family gatherings, Sunday dinners, birthdays, and spending time together are important parts of everyday life. Ove and his wife also spend a great deal of time outdoors.

The Norwegian mountains are especially close to their hearts.

“We love travelling in Norway and hiking in nature. Sunshine, rain, wind, or snow, it does not matter. Being outdoors is a big part of our life.”

Throughout the year, much of their spare time is spent hiking, snowshoeing, and taking long walks. Music is another lifelong interest.

“Rock’n’roll from the seventies, eighties, and nineties. Those are the good old days,” Ove says with a smile.

Ove’s story reflects the spirit of Betker: experienced people working together, solving problems, and taking responsibility for customers every day.