As one of the founders and long-time manager of Ørsta Stålindustri, Kåre Aam developed the company into one of the most successful businesses in Sunnmøre. When it began in 1947, the company made equipment for the power grid and, during the course of the first years, adapted production to find new markets in lighting columns, barn installations and products for the house and garden.

Ørsta Stålindustri celebrated its 25th birthday in 1972. With 108 employees, the company had by then become Ørsta's leading industrial employer. The product range was extended throughout the 70s and 80s, adding rock-support and marina systems. To market-leading expertise in galvanisation was added completely new technology in powder coating.

The products and processes developed while Aam's steady hand was on the tiller are still key to the company's position today. Kåre Aam had a unique instinct for new focus areas and he developed an organisation and a culture that was able to make the most of them. In this way, Aam built much of the foundation for the present-day Vik Ørsta and SafeRoad.

In 1995, Kåre Aam was awarded the King's Order of Merit (Kongens fortjenestemedalje) in gold for his work as leader of industry and politician. He was a driving force in the region's development and was one of the founders of Sunnmøre Business Council, which he chaired for many years. As a local politician and businessman, he served in a number of positions in which he was able to promote the industrial interests of the region. In Ørsta, he became particularly involved in the building of the Bondalseidet ski lift and the establishment of Viking Fjord Hotel.

A pioneer has gone. May peace shine over Kåre Aam’s memory.

The management and employees of SafeRoad.