Mayor visits new and changed businesses in the town 

The mayor visits the companies 

Three different mornings when three different companies welcomed Valdimar Víðisson, the Mayor, as he visited his first businesses in office in Hafnarfjörður. The aim is to meet as many and as diverse companies as possible in all sectors of Hafnarfjörður's business life. 

A well-established company in the making

First, he visited RB at Dalshraun 8, where an ownership change took place earlier this year. This well-established family business was founded in 1943. The new owners, Áslaug Auður Guðmundsdóttir, Nökkvi Sveinsson and Óskar Bragi Sigþórsson, along with others, welcomed the mayor, showed him the production, discussed the production capacity and how the company has been manufacturing its mattresses in the country for decades. There is an experience there that is not widely found in this country. 

„The company has pleasantly surprised me,“ says Nökkvi, showing the mayor how the various mattress productions take place here in Hafnarfjörður. Nökkvi also spoke about how the group of owners is aiming to set up another company, one of the most advanced car washes in the country. Together, the group therefore runs RB-rúm on a daily basis and is also set to open another business here in Hafnarfjörður. He looks forward to serving the people of Hafnarfjörður, in both the car and mattress industries. 

Bjarni, Nökkvi, Valdimar, Óskar and Áslaug.

Popular from day one

Syndhavn at 75 Strandgata was the mayor's next stop. The couple, Stella Þórðardóttir and Sigurður Ólafsson, have established this gorgeous restaurant there with their children, and it has been a great success.  

Stella says the couple chose Hafnarfjörður as she is from there. „This is my home town,“ says Stella, „and I see great opportunities in the development of the harbour area. We have three grown-up children. They are here. We all help each other out. Things are getting off to a good start for us,“ says Stella.  

Yes, Sydhavn is an elegant restaurant, as Stella and Sigurður have a great deal of experience and good people on their side, including the Hafnarfjörður native Knut Hreidarsson, whom many know from Deig and Le Kock on Tryggvagata. 

Head Chef Knútur, his son Helgi, and the couple Siggi and Stella, here with Valdimar.

The animals receive services in Hafnarfjörður

The third and final stop was the brand-new venture of Berglind Guðbrandsdóttir, a canine massage therapist and canine behaviour consultant, and the veterinarians Silja Edvardsdóttir and Sólrún Dís Kolbeinsdóttir – both educated in Denmark.  

The Hafnarfjörður Veterinary Clinic opened on 15 May. The mayor paid a visit almost a week later, and operations are now getting under way. It is clear that the ladies have put a great deal into the premises and the business. 

„We're getting the last machines in June,“ says Silja, adding that they are experiencing a great deal of activity and that people come for the service from the South-West and further afield. They are, in fact, quite centrally located in Stakkahraun 1.  

A specialist veterinary clinic for cats and dogs. Specially designed not to cause the animals unnecessary stress. A fantastic addition to the vibrant business community in Hafnarfjörður. Yes, the dream of running their own business has come true, and they are optimistic about the future. 

Valdimar, Silja, Sólrún and Berglind.

Inspiring and rewarding

Valdimar Víðisson says that it is both inspiring and rewarding to meet the people who drive the business life here in Hafnarfjörður. It's great to see people making their dreams come true.  

„It is important to us that there is a thriving business community here, and therefore it is vital to hear the views of business owners. To hear how we can encourage new activity and increase the opportunities for residents of Hafnarfjörður when it comes to employment, business operations and the framework for industry. It is very important to me to get to know the business community here in our wonderful municipality,“ he says. 

Get the mayor to visit 

• Companies in Hafnarfjörður can contact the mayor's office by email to express an interest in a visit. hafnarfjordur@hafnarfjordur.is and by phone: 585-5500.