Chairman of GCE NODE, Frode Jensen (left), and Hans Fredrik Grøvan (MP, Christan Democrats).

“MIL will enable us to take the next steps. We are looking forward to getting started,” says Frode Jensen, Chairman of GCE NODE.

In his speech at the opening of Mechatronics Innovation Lab Wednesday, Jensen, who is also Managing Director of National Oilwell Varco Norway, remembered the first meeting about MIL.

“Frank Reichert gave a quick presentation of a rough idea for a lab back in 2011. A lot has happened and changed over the years. It is fair to say that this lab is a completely different lab than the one Frank sold us six years ago. But that only goes to prove that the industry is able to adjust to a changing markets and new trends,” said Jensen.

He viewed MIL as an important tool for tests, verification and qualification of technology. It will enable an entire nation to excel technologically, according to Jensen.

“MIL has been a top priority for GCE NODE for several years. Both former CEO Kjell O. Johannessen and present CEO of GCE NODE Anne-Grete Ellingsen, deserve a lot of credit for their efforts to make this lab a reality. NODE board members have also pushed the lab forward,” said Jensen.

Kjell O. Johannessen (former CEO of NODE) and Anne-Grete Ellingsen (CEO of GCE NODE) enjoyed the opening ceremony of Mechatronics Innovation Lab.