In memory of Kåre Rasmussen
We were saddened to receive the news that Kåre Rasmussen had passed away on Sunday 24 September. With his passing, we have not only lost a respected and admired leader and colleague. We have also lost an icon in the history of NorDan.
Kåre Rasmussen was born on 15 April 1932. As a fully qualified master builder, he became the company's General Manager, which at the time was called Johs. Rasmussen & Sønner, in 1958. Later, he became CEO and continued in this role until he turned 60 in 1992. He then continued as technical director until he retired in 1995. In the same year, he was appointed Knight 1st Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav for services to Norwegian industry.
His vision of creating the perfect window was translated into action from the factory next door to his childhood home. In 1962, the NorDan Perfekt window prototype was born. With his unique combination of technical insight, production expertise and understanding of quality, he solved the problem of how the same window could be opened in two different ways: In the ventilation position and the cleaning position. Kåre's unique solution was patented, and the foundation was laid for high-volume production with a quality that ensured a long service life.
A few years before NorDan Perfekt, the company produced one window daily with diligent efforts. In the first year of NorDan Perfekt, 700 windows were sold, and in 1969, 50,000 windows of the same model were produced. The window continues to be the most important product for the factory in Moi and can still be found in large and small buildings worldwide. For over three decades, Kåre's leadership, drive and vision were crucial in NorDan's journey as a successful family business.
Kåre was not only highly technically competent but also a very competent businessman. He was also a warm, compassionate and wise man – qualities that made him a respected leader and valued colleague. His genuine interest in contributing to the positive development of the local community has left a deep impression. Commitment to the local community has also become a natural part of NorDan today and has spread far beyond his home village of Moi.
Even after he retired, Kåre visited the factory every day. He showed interest in and commitment to the production and products, but not least to the employees. Kåre was an industry builder, a community builder and a respected and admired leader. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Oct 05, 2023
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