SMALL INDUSTRY

People on Osterøy have always had agriculture as their livelihood, but in the 19th century the population increased fast, and it became difficult to support oneself from the land alone. For many, the solution was to emigrate to America. Others sought new livelihoods through the specialization of craft skills.

The craft often started as a subsistence industry, but towards the end of the 19th century, more and more craftsmen developed small industrial enterprises, with several employees.

The access to reasonable electric power also contributed to the industries gaining further momentum at the beginning of the 20th century, and it can still be said that Osterøy is known for its niche production.