Archive for March 2023

Why Åndalsnes?

Choosing Åndalsnes, in the middle of Norway, was no coincidence. The region was already a thriving centre for the Norwegian furniture industry, with a growing need for high‑quality foam materials. The combination of industrial expertise and railway infrastructure made Åndalsnes the ideal location for establishing a production facility. Raw materials were efficiently transported by train from Europe – delivered straight into the factory that opened in 1969. Our first mattress, Welun 007, was launched shortly after – a breakthrough that addressed a common problem of the time, when foam mattresses often felt warm, humid and uncomfortable.

Over time, our strong local roots in Åndalsnes have evolved into a unique network of short‑travelled suppliers, creating a robust, efficient and professional production community.

The very first continental bed

Odd Slettaøyen, one of the first employees of Westnofa, played a key role in developing several innovations that shaped both our company and the mattress industry. As early as 1978, Westnofa launched its first mattress with a spring system, and in order to further strengthen its focus on beds and mattresses, the mattress division became Wonderland in 1980. Just three years later, the W1001 spring mattress was launched, and it quickly became a success. This was the first mattress to be sold together with a separate top mattress – something that was regarded as both modern and innovative.

The very first continental bed was introduced by Wonderland in 1988. Once again, it was Odd Slettaøyen who stood behind the innovation, having brought home inspiration from a trade fair on another continent. This led to the development of today’s continental bed, built with multiple layers of mattresses.

Sleep climate, durability and personal comfort

Throughout the 1990s, we deepened our understanding of how sleep climate and a healthy sleep environment affect both sleep quality and the bed’s durability. In 1995, we introduced removable and washable textiles – a popular feature that remains one of Wonderland’s key product characteristics. In 2010, we followed up with our adjustable hip zone, an innovation that continues to be important throughout our collection.

One of the world’s most modern bed factories

Since 2017, Wonderland has been owned by local investors committed to the future and the continued development in Åndalsnes. Today, we operate one of the world’s most modern bed factories, where craftsmanship meets advanced technology through robotic production lines and highly precise automated processes.

Research shaping the bed of the future

For more than 20 years, we have collaborated with leading sleep researchers to understand what truly allows the body to recover and rest. This insight forms the foundation for every decision we make – from materials and construction to technical solutions and unique ergonomic features.

In 2020, we initiated the WondRest project, one of the most significant environmental initiatives in the Norwegian furniture industry. It demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the environmental footprint of a bed by 50% – without compromising on quality or comfort. Insights from WondRest now guide strategic and sustainable decisions across the business. Implementation and further development are already underway and will continue for years to come.

A clear goal

Sleep plays a vital role in our lives. Equally important is how we can contribute positively to the world around us – through all the everyday choices that make a meaningful difference. This is why we design our beds with one clear goal: to give you sleep that truly improves life – for you, and for our planet.