Gain insight into our rich heritage and culture, and join in celebrating our 130th anniversary in 2025!
Anno 1895
The Founder - a wise adventurer
A thought. That's how it all started. Not the kind of thought that suddenly descends into your head in a creative moment, surprising you like a smile from an enemy. No, this was one of those thoughts that comes on the plinth. It sneaks up on you, stealthily, from behind or from the side, and then disappears the next moment. When it comes again, you hear it a little better. It has grown and the footsteps are heard more clearly. At regular intervals, the thought comes to visit. Soon the idea has shoes on, yes, soon it stomps on you with galoshes. Now you simply can't help but hear or see it, and you are forced to make a decision: Either the idea must be put into practice, or you must forget about it forever. That was the case for the founder of Janus, Anton Stephan Stephansen.
1895 - 1905
A small town grows
It was mainly the availability of hydroelectric power that led Anton S. Stephansen to choose Espeland as the location for his industrial operations. The factory building of Espelandsfos Spinderi og Trikotagefabrik was completed in 1895. Stephansen immediately set about building housing for the workers. From the very beginning, the building was nicknamed "The Residence" (“Boligen”) among the employees...
1905
New knitting machines
New, modern circular knitting machines are installed on the second floor of the factory.
1909
Janus brand
In 1909, Janus is registered as a trademark. The name is used for premium multi-threaded goods.
1928
New factory building
The factory expands to a five-story concrete building next to the first building.
1940 - 1945
World War II
Several representatives from Espeland participate in Milorg against Germany in World War II.
1947
Hydropower from Osavtan
The new power plant is put into operation, and at the beginning it is capable of delivering 1100 kilowatts of electricity.
1964
The country's largest knitwear factory
With 510 employees, Janus is the largest knitwear factory in the country. The town Espeland expands to offer new services, from cinemas to sports halls.
1982
Janus launches Avanti
With Jahn Teigen as the advertising frontman, Avanti is a collection for the casual wear market, inspired by the dominant Italian fashion of the time.
1994
Janus becomes official supplier of Lillehammer Olympics
2016
Janus gets its first agreement with NATO
2022
Janus and Monte Rosa Capital
Together with brands Oslo and Henri-Lloyd, Janus is acquired by investment company Monte Rosa Capital. Production of wool fabric for Odlo is moved to Espeland
