From childhood dream to Production Line Leader: Leading with Purpose and Heritage at Freia

Friday, May 8, 2026

How did your career at Mondelēz International in Norway begin, and what has it been like growing within such an iconic brand as Freia?

My journey with Freia started as a child when I visited the factory with my class. Back then, there were more production lines, and you were allowed to come quite close to them. Today, for safety and quality reasons, you can't get that near the production lines, but back then we stood right next to the molding line. Seeing the chocolate come out and watching it being wrapped up close was incredibly exciting; I was hooked. I was also told that when you work at Freia, you can eat as much chocolate as you want—which was a dream for any child!

After that visit, I dreamed that one day I would work at the Freia factory. Later, as an adult in high school, I needed a side job for pocket money. A friend recommended I apply for seasonal work, as they brought people in every autumn for various departments. I sent in my application and was offered a job on the "Dessert" and "Kong Haakon" lines. It was so much fun and exciting, even though there was a lot of manual labor back then.

After a few years as a seasonal employee, my real dream came true in 1998. I started a seasonal stint in January, applied for a permanent opening shortly after, and was hired full-time by March. I’ve been here ever since, and I plan to stay until the day I retire.

Freia is more than a brand — it is a piece of history. What is the best part of working in a place filled with the smell of chocolate and the famous Munch paintings?

The Freia canteen is legendary, especially with the original Munch paintings on the walls. It creates an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. But beyond the art and that famous chocolate smell—which I honestly never get tired of—it is the sense of pride that stays with you.

Freia is such a well-known brand, and I carry a feeling of pride every day being part of it. It is special to work in a place that means so much to people, both in Norway and abroad. I don’t just think that I’m here to "make chocolate." I make chocolate that I am proud of, which will be sent to customers who expect the high quality we produce. Growing within something so iconic feels very special; you feel like you are part of that heritage every day. And yes, I still eat chocolate every single day at work. I’m the type of person who, once I start eating, can’t stop until I’m full!

Most people just see the chocolate on the shelf. What is the “secret ingredient” in the team culture on the production floor that makes Freia chocolate factory a special place to work?

For me, it is both the chocolate and the people. At one point, I tried an office-based role in production planning, but after two years, I realized sitting in front of a computer all day wasn't for me. I belong on the production line.

There is more action there. I enjoy the physical work and being where things are happening. What makes Freia special is that combination of crafting chocolate and working closely with people.

When a new team member joins your line, how do you help them learn our way of doing things and develop their skills?

I feel privileged to have grown through so many roles, starting as a packing operator and moving through several areas to become a Line Leader. Because of that journey, one of my main goals is to develop my team. I have a strong desire to see them succeed, and I believe we are well on our way.

I want everyone to be able to operate the entire production line. It sounds simple to say, "I work at a chocolate factory and make chocolate," but making something like Kvikk Lunsj is a complex process with many steps—from the molding line to the biscuit plant and packaging. We have many employees who have worked at just one specific station for years, but I want my team to master all areas. This not only creates a much better production flow but also gives everyone higher competence and a deeper understanding of the entire process.

We have already started this journey. While we aren’t at the finish line yet, the feedback has been wonderful—the team finds it exciting to learn different stations rather than just staying in one spot.

When a new team member joins, I focus on growth that fits the team. We start by setting clear goals and a specific training plan, giving them dedicated time to master each task. I follow up personally through regular one-on-one meetings to discuss their progress and any support they need before moving to the next step. It’s all about steady, supported growth.

Can you share a moment when you and your team felt extra proud?

I will start with a personal moment that I am incredibly proud of. I was hired as a Line Leader in October 2023, and by December 2024, I was awarded the "Line Leader of the Year" prize here at Freia. I was so moved because I received this award only one year after taking over the job. It proved to me that the path I’m on and the work I’m doing is right. What made it truly special was that the prize was based on nominations from all the operators in my team, as well as shift leaders, mechanics, and operators from other departments. It made me so proud.

The second moment was early in 2025, when my team won the Quality Award. Most recently, in January 2026, we received another award for setting an all-time production record on our line. These are milestones I am very proud of—both for myself and for the entire team.

Beyond the awards, I feel proud when I hear operators say, "I’m not feeling quite well today, but since I’m not contagious, I’m coming to work because I have you as my boss." That level of loyalty means everything to me. I think it stems from the fact that I try treat everyone equally. People are different; someone might be great in one area, while another person shines somewhere else.

I make it a point to show that everyone is equally important to me regardless of where they work on the line. I want to ensure that everyone in my team knows they are the reason we succeed—that we achieve everything together. I strive for a team culture where we collaborate and help each other, but first and foremost, I want every individual to feel truly valued.

What kind of person fits best into the Freia heritage, and what would you say to someone who wants to join the team today?

We are very thorough with our hiring process because we look for people who aren't just here for a paycheck. We want people who can—and truly enjoy—developing themselves. To fit in here, you need to be able to collaborate well with others and be genuinely willing to learn.

It suits someone who likes practical, hands-on work and enjoys being part of a team. You should be curious and want to understand the whole process, not just one small area. A real bonus is if that person has a "soul" for chocolate and for the brand itself. If you are willing to grow, there are great opportunities here. For me, it started as a childhood dream and became a lifelong career.

To wrap things up on a sweet note—what is your favorite chocolate?

Now I have to be very honest! I am the leader of the Kvikk Lunsj line, so I should probably say Kvikk Lunsj... but my favorite Freia chocolate is Firkløver. Luckily, the 60g Firkløver is actually made on my line, so I hope I’m forgiven!