1918 - 1928
The company began to diversify after the First World War. Underpinning this change was a new emphasis on industrial research and external alliances.
1919: The 8-hour day
World War I pushed up food prices to staggering heights, and working people on ordinary wages went short. In Notodden, the situation became so serious that many people wouldnt have survived the war years without the bread coupons from Hydro.
1919: Research as driving force and inspiration
Hydro gradually built up a research environment focusing on developing new industrial processes and improving fertilizer technology. From 1919, Hydro's main research centre was at Skøyen in Oslo and was led by Birger Fjeld Halvorsen.
1920: Hydros guest houses
One is large and quite grand, another is a charming country house, a third is a picturesque lighthouse. Hydros guest houses have their own stories to tell from the companys history.
