145+ years of Excellence

Peter Jebsen Story

Peter Jebsen Story

Peter Jebsen was born on May 6, 1824, in Broager, Denmark. Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work early in life. Throughout his career, Jebsen demonstrated how diligence and vision could yield substantial results, significantly influencing Norwegian business, community, and politics.
After completing his mercantile education in Hamburg and gaining experience in manufacturing, Jebsen moved to Norway in 1842. In 1844, he invested his savings in purchasing the Blindheim River in Ytre Arna. Over the following years, he established a large cotton weaving mill, as well as facilities for bleaching and dyeing textiles.

During an inspection related to the development of the Vossebana railway, Jebsen observed the powerful watercourse in Dale. Recognizing its potential due to his prior experience in Ytre Arna, he envisioned its use for industrial purposes.

In 1873, Jebsen secured the rights to the Bergsdals River, extending from Fosse in Bergsdalen to the Dale farming area, through an agreement with local farmers. Over the next few years, he meticulously planned the construction of factory buildings, machinery installations, and worker accommodation. Jebsen acquired 100 weaving looms from a closed factory in England and transported them to Norway. By 1878, the factory buildings and housing were complete, and production commenced. On August 22, 1879, the first shipment of textile canvases was ready. Since then, textile production has been a continuous activity in Dale.

Jebsen’s contributions extended beyond textile manufacturing. He played a central role in constructing the Vossebana railway, served as mayor of his local community for three years, and was a local politician in Bergen. Additionally, he represented his constituency in the Norwegian Parliament for two terms and served as the director of Bergen Private Bank. Jebsen also owned the largest Norwegian steamship line for many years and directed the American Line for several decades.

In his personal life, Jebsen was married twice. With his first wife, Anna Larsdotter Uthus, he had 13 children, and with his second wife, Sophia Sundt, he had 11 more. Many of his children followed in his footsteps, contributing to the family legacy. His eldest son, Peter Jr., succeeded him as the director and owner of Dale Factories.

Peter Jebsen passed away on October 30, 1892. Special trains were arranged between Dale and Bergen to honor his legacy, allowing hundreds of workers from his textile and marine enterprises to attend the commemorative events. The council of Bergen, along with many prominent business figures and citizens, also paid tribute to this remarkable industrialist and public servant.