Until 2011, Hansen Protection was part of the Helly-Hansen sports and workwear group and builds on more than 140 years of experience as a supplier of marine and safety wear and equipment. The journey began in 1877, with manufacturing of rainwear and tarpulins. In 1932 production of life jackets and marine safety equipment was started, and continued with the launch of its first rescue and survival suits in 1976. In 1995, the introduction of integrated services provided Hansen Protection the basis to build a leading position as the only supplier of such integrated services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and as market leader in Europe. Hansen Protection has gone through a period of strategic expansion, both organic and through selected acquisitions to broaden its product offering and strengthen its international distribution, including the acquisition of Biardo in 2014 and Lyngsøe Rainwear in 2017.

Selected milestones

1877: Sea captain Helly Juell Hansen founded Helly J. Hansen Regnklæde-Fabrik (Rainwear Factory) 

1932: Life jackets and marine safety equipment launched

1976: Work and survival suits launched

1995: Hansen Protection was established as a separate company in the Helly-Hansen group
           Hansen Protection introduced integrated services on the NCS
           Acquisition of FCO Maritim; offering sales and rental of suits

1997: Acquisition of Bergen Redningsdrakter; offering service suits

1999: Acquisition of SeaTex; manufacturer of boat canopies

2002: Acquisition of Seilmaker Larsen; manufacturer of special products

2004: Acquisition of Ascon; sale and production of TPAs (Thermal Protective Aids)

2007: Acquisition of Jens Sagen/Hübert; manufacturer of boat canopies

2010: New facilities in Moss, Norway

2011: Spin-out from the Helly-Hansen group; acquired by Montague Private Equity

2013: IKVII Fund acquired controlling stake

2014: Acquisition of Biardo; a specialist in rental, maintenance and sale of survival suits and lifejackets in the Netherlands

2017: Acquisition of Lyngsøe Rainwear, a manufacturer of protective rainwear

2018: Acquisition of 50% of the shares in HeliPPE, a supplier PPE rental services to the offshore wind industry