Vyrk wins the Innovation Award for sustainability and innovation

In January 2025, the Agenda Innlandet conference was held in Hamar – an important meeting place for business, politics, research and education. Among the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the Innovation Award, which this year went to Vyrk.

Managing Director of Vyrk, Steinar Lyseng, accepted the award on behalf of the company, expressing strong gratitude:

"This is an award for the entire Vyrk family. We are working hard to recruit the expertise we need, and we are proud that our factory in Trysil alone generated four craft certificates in the second half of last year. We have a lot of exciting things going on and will continue to invest," said Lyseng.

Sustainability and innovation in focus

Vyrk secured the award on the basis of the company's ability to combine sustainability with innovative solutions. According to County Mayor Thomas Breen, Vyrk has distinguished itself through its impressive product portfolio and comprehensive solutions that require minimal energy and resources. The company was also the first to introduce a deposit scheme for wall panels – clear proof that Vyrk takes its environmental responsibility seriously.

The jury cited the following grounds:

"This company has made a name for itself with its impressive product portfolio and ability to deliver comprehensive solutions. With ambitions to conquer the Northern European market, it is investing heavily in the circular economy. Its products require minimal energy and resources, which reduces waste and strengthens Norwegian production.

As the first company in Norway with a deposit scheme for wall panels, it is proving to be a pioneer in sustainability and innovation. With such a forward-looking approach, there is no doubt that it is able to set the standard for the construction industry of the future.

The company has adapted to market changes by repositioning itself from the residential and cabin market to the public sector and prestigious buildings such as the Vatican and the Teatro Puccini in Milan.

Sustainability is a core value, and it has developed products that contribute to the green transition. It is also involved in the development of smart walls in the new Government Quarter. As a driving force behind Biohub Begna, it is working to transform the industry into a circular economy. It has established an innovation company that develops circular products and promotes industrial symbiosis. With contributions to sustainability, innovation and market development, as well as locations in Trysil, Øystre Slidre, Løten, the company is well rooted in Innlandet County and is a worthy candidate for the Innovation Award."

Deliveries to prestigious buildings

Vyrk's products have already found their way into some of the world's most prestigious construction projects. Among other things, the company has supplied materials to the Vatican in Rome and the Teatro Puccini in Milan. In addition, Vyrk is involved in the development of 'smart walls' for the new government buildings in Oslo, which further confirms the company's position as an innovative player in the construction industry.

Investing further in a demanding market

Despite a challenging market and difficulties related to recruitment and framework conditions, Vyrk has a clear strategy for the future. Lyseng emphasizes the importance of collaboration with educational institutions to ensure the necessary expertise.

"We have a foot in secondary schools, colleges and vocational schools. We will continue to focus on building expertise and developing sustainable solutions," says Lyseng.

Vyrk would like to thank Agenda Innlandet for the recognition and is looking forward to continuing the work of shaping the construction industry of the future!