In 2023, Lars Thorsrud started the company Oppatt AS, based in Lillehammer. He can boast long experience in the industry and a large network.
Responsible use of resources
Oppatt AS has developed a modular building system that is produced from residual and reused materials from timber production, the construction industry and recycling stations.
– “We’ve developed a building system that extends the life of materials by creating new links in existing value chains,” says Lars Thorsrud, CEO of Oppatt AS.
-“We need to make full use of what nature gives us and throw away as little as possible. We simply have to rethink and use up,” says Thorsrud.
Sustainable production
Together with the industrial environment at Raufoss, the company has developed production processes adapted to work and inclusion companies.
– The core of Oppatt AS’ idea is to produce building blocks with a patented locking mechanism that are easy to manufacture, assemble and take apart again. In this way, they can be used upside down, in new ways and in new places,” says Thorsrud.
The standardized building blocks are rented out and can be used by organizers and exhibitors at festivals and events. On average, the individual bricks can be used, dismantled and rebuilt at least 20 times before they become so worn that they can be used for bioenergy.
– “It’s of extra value to us that the production of the building blocks can provide content-rich and meaningful working days for skilled people at local job training companies, so it’s win, win with little waste,” says Thorsrud.
Ambitions
Oppatt AS has growth ambitions and is looking to establish itself in 10-12 regions in Scandinavia over the next 3-5 years.
– “We say that we build endless opportunities for people and the environment. We are now looking forward to becoming part of the Norwegian Wood Cluster, where we are happy to contribute our expertise and network to realize the cluster’s opportunities,” says CEO Lars Thorsrud of Oppatt AS.
Interesting player
Cluster leader Berit Sanness welcomes Oppatt AS as a member of Norwegian Wood Cluster.
– “It’s exciting to have Oppatt AS as a member of the cluster. This is an interesting start-up company that is committed to responsible resource use. The Norwegian Wood Cluster will strengthen its circular focus in the future and one of its strategic focus areas is to contribute to better resource utilization and sustainability throughout the value chain. Oppatt AS’s values and solutions fit very well into this picture,” says the cluster leader.
Formally, it is the board of Norwegian Wood Cluster SA that processes applications for membership of the cluster. Oppatt AS was admitted as a member on April 14, 2025.