GMC turns 50 – Focuses on 50 new
The company, which has been built gradually, has been through both ups and downs. However, they have a clear idea of how to maintain the adventure that began in 1973 for another 50 years.
The article was published in Skipsrevyen on Friday, November 3, 2023 , see the article here.
Written by: Anders Huke
Read excerpts from the article here:
– There have been ups and downs with the economic fluctuations, with the oil downturn, financial crises, and a new oil crisis. But we have also been part of many ups and downs, says Managing Director of GMC Group, Thomas A. Vang.
He himself has been in the business for a year. But he says that he saw GMC as a business with great potential, which was the main reason he wanted to go there.
– It is a business with many good people who have been here for a long time, with a good scope for opportunity.
His first mechanical workshop
It all started when Gunnar Magne Christensen senior opened his first mechanical workshop in Stavanger. With him was his brother Tor Jan, and his friends Lars Einar Østerbø and Roald Rygh. Demand was high, but shortly after an international shipping crisis hit and the assignments disappeared. They were forced to turn to the development of the offshore industry.
In 1977 they moved to new facilities in Kalhammaren in Stavanger. GMC Shipping and GMC Offshore were established, and GMC acquired 40 percent of DBC Offshore Ltd in the UK.
In 1978, GMC Maritime was awarded the oil spill response contract for the southern part of the North Sea, a contract they held for over 30 years.
Long contracts
– We are in a good position now. We are out of the “dormant” and have achieved a lot of good things. We have a framework agreement with Equinor for eight years. We also have an agreement with the maintenance and classification of the Armed Forces’ ships for the next seven years, says Vang, pointing out that what is now challenging is getting hold of qualified labor.
Today, the company has about 200 employees, divided across six companies. They have a turnover of around 600-700 million a year.
- We expect strong growth in the coming years, and believe we will almost double the number of employees.
50 more years
Founder Gunnar Magne Christensen senior is also involved. He is 84 years old, but a board member and Vang's closest manager. Vang praises the owners for being both involved and providing input and critical viewpoints where necessary.
– It's a good interaction.
Today, they have their fingers in maritime ship services, docking, electrical and automation, HVAC, base services, product sales and rentals, marine operations and property.
Although they manage large properties, they cultivate the industry as their brand. There is no doubt that Vang intends to steer the ship towards another 50 years as GMC.
– We are looking forward to the next 50, we clearly have a lasting perspective, which will be delivered to the next generation better than it was.
The article was published in Skipsrevyen on Friday, November 3, 2023, see the article here.
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