The rapid convergence of functional safety, OT security, and digital transformation is reshaping industrial automation across Europe. To strengthen its regional presence and advance its global digital portfolio, HIMA Group officially inaugurated its new Scandinavian regional center in Kristiansand, Norway, on May 28, 2026. Housed at Origo Solutions' new head office in Kjøita Energy Park, this facility also serves as the operational launchpad for the new "HIMA Digital" unit.
Strategic Expansion and Digital Integration in Scandinavia
Decades of Partnership Drive Scandinavian Growth
HIMA Group's expansion into Scandinavia builds upon a long-standing partnership with Origo Solutions. Origo served as HIMA’s exclusive representative in Norway starting in 1998 before its official acquisition by HIMA Group in 2024. Consequently, the establishment of the Kristiansand regional center reflects HIMA’s commitment to supporting key sectors—including oil and gas, process, and renewable energy—across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Kjøita Energy Park Facilities Support Innovation
The relocated head office at Kjøita Energy Park provides state-of-the-art infrastructure designed for client collaboration and technical execution. In addition to flexible workspaces, the facility incorporates dedicated engineering zones, hands-on testing workshops, and the HIMA Experience Room. These features enable real-time demonstrations of Functional Safety and OT Security solutions, ensuring plant operators receive comprehensive support throughout the safety lifecycle.
HIMA Digital Unit Advances Industry 4.0
The inauguration coincided with the launch of the HIMA Digital unit, a key pillar of HIMA’s global #safetygoesdigital initiative. Built upon Origo Solutions' SCADA+ platform development and HIMA’s safety engineering expertise, the new competence center focuses on scalable digital solutions. As a result, industrial operators can streamline safety system lifecycles, optimize asset availability, and satisfy rigorous IEC safety standards.
Addressing Energy Transition and OT Security Trends
Modern energy hubs face simultaneous demands: upgrading legacy infrastructure and defending against modern cybersecurity threats. HIMA’s open technology platform combines SIL 3 / SIL 4 hardware and software with unified security protocols. Therefore, integrating OT security directly into functional safety logic enables operators to protect critical infrastructure while adopting cloud-connected data analytics.
Real-World Application Scenario: Offshore Energy Safety Upgrade
An offshore platform operator in the North Sea recently modernized its aging emergency shutdown (ESD) and fire and gas (F&G) systems. By deploying HIMA's SIL 3 safety controllers alongside Origo Solutions’ SCADA+ platform, the operator established real-time asset monitoring and automated compliance reporting. Consequently, the facility reduced unnecessary downtime by 30% and improved operational security across its entire control network. Explore specialized industrial automation products to optimize your process safety infrastructure.
Expert Insights on Safety Automation Trends
The integration of Origo Solutions into HIMA Group highlights a clear shift in process automation: standalone safety hardware is no longer sufficient. Modern process plants require fully integrated digital ecosystems where safety logic, asset management, and OT security operate in unison. Investing in unified digital architectures allows operators to transition from reactive maintenance to predictive safety management without compromising system availability.