Town history exhibition

The earthenware industry
There are rich natural deposits of clay in the region of Høgjæren and in Sandnes. These helped the earthenware industry assume a decisive role in the development of Sandnes as a town. The first brickworks was established in 1783 and was the first lasting industrial initiative in the county of Rogaland.Sandnes Teglværk also had a pottery division that produced household articles. ”Gamlaværket” was the only supplier of bricks and roof tiles up to 1852. In 1860, Sandnes was granted loading place rights and thereby achieved town status. More brickworks were established, 7 at the most, as well as 15 – 20 potteries.

The woodwork and timber industry
The earthenware industry sold its products along the coast of Norway and brought other goods back to the region, including, among other things, timber. Prefabricated houses were produced in Sandnes even before the 1900s. Large timber merchants, such as Block Watne, Fjogstadhus and Hetlandhus are just a few of the players in the prefabricated house industry in Sandnes. The furniture industry was also prominent with sales to the whole of Norway.

Engineering industry
Large engineering workshops emerged from small farm forges.Car parts were produced at Sandnes Aducerverk, pots and pans at Polaris and bicycles at Jonas Øglænd. These three companies also made their ways to the international market.